Urinary incontinence may be controlled for some time by trying to monitor times of liquid intake, feeding, and urinating. Once a schedule has been established, the caregiver may be able to anticipate incontinent episodes and get the patient to the toilet before they occur. Immobility and Pain. As the disease progresses, Alzheimer's victims become immobile, literally forgetting how to move. Eventually, they become almost entirely wheelchair-bound or bedridden.
Bedsores can be a major problem.
Sheets must be kept clean, dry, and free of food. The patient's skin should be washed frequently, gently blotted thoroughly dry and moisturizers applied. The patient should be moved every two hours and the feet kept raised with pillows or pads. Exercises should be administered to the legs and arms to keep them flexible. Weight loss and the gradual inability to swallow are two major related problems in the late-stage Alzheimer's victim and are associated with an increased risk of death.