Having some bathroom accidents and wondering if this is the progression to incontinence or something else. Is it an inability to control etc bowels? Or is it more that they forget what the signals of needing to go are and so have accidents? Mom had colonoscopy about 20 yrs ago and LG polyps removed that caused a couple yrs of urgent/last min blowouts that made her fear going out and not having access to facilities/habing and accidents. After a few yrs that mostly subsided. But now she frequently verbalize the fear of having to go when she's out.... (not having an accident per se, but needing to go while she is away from home) and now she is having some loose bowel explosions periodically interspersed w perfectly normal functioning. Diet remains unchanged. Not sure what to expect if we're reaching the period if incontinence. Tx
Also know that elders often become lactose intolerant.
An appointment with a good gastroenterologist can help sort through the possibilities.
She also can have IBS which is something that can be dormant for years and then flare. Anxiety, stress, unexpected company or upset can contribute.
Consider her meds which can cause stomach issues. Check out her medicine cabinet for OTC products you may not be aware of. Sometimes oil from coffee can cause stomach issues. If she is using a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners that can cause upset. Too many pieces of certain fruits like cherries can trigger upset. Make sure she is getting enough fiber.
My DH aunt used laxatives when I first started watching out for her. Lots of laxatives. Taking her to the gastro was a great choice for her.
Later she became incontinent of bladder and wore pads and progressed to pull-ups. She didn’t become incontinent of bowel for several years into her dementia. She also lost the ability to walk. She was a very active person in her 80s. This happened in her 90s.
But due to her stomach issues in her 80s she too would choose not to go out except to church and the grocery. In church she always chose to sit where she could get to the bathroom quickly. Actually she didn’t like to go out if she wasn’t driving so she could come home when she wanted. If your mom recently stopped driving that might enter in.
Even though her diet may not have changed, her ability to digest her regular diet might have.
Not sure if it affects all people either dementia, but the ability to recognize the bathroom and toilet can also occur.
Sorry for your mom if you think she is at this stage