Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 9/7/2009

Question
My husband has been diagnosed with alzheimers and mini strokes dementia. I have been reading alot about this. I am having trouble with placing him in a stage. He is 68 yrs old. I have noticed differences in him for 11/2 yrs now. His dr calls it mixed dementias. Three times, now, he has gotten up during the night to go to the bathroom. When he does, he poops all over the comode and floor. And leaves it there. Is this part of this disease? I appologize for sounding so-o-o crude. I am the only person to care for my husband. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Joyce,

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this difficult situation. You are correct that this kind of toilet confusion is a common symptom of dementia. You may be able to help your husband find the toilet by making sure that the toilet seat and lid are a different color than the bathroom floor; high contrast is best. A nightlight may also make a difference.

best,
Alanna