Diarrhea and Alzheimer's Disease: What you need to know

Are you worried about your mom, dad, or other elderly person with Alzheimer's disease who is constantly having diarrhea? This is something that many people face. Especially when an elderly person with a condition like Alzheimer's has diarrhea, it can be a bit serious. But let's not panic, let's know exactly what to do and when to see a doctor.

Simply put, diarrhea is the passage of more than three loose or loose stools in 24 hours. This condition can occur frequently in the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer's disease.

Dangerous symptoms that require immediate medical attention

If the person you are caring for has any of the following symptoms, take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or see your family doctor immediately . Do not ignore these symptoms.

At times like this, call the doctor.

If you have the following symptoms, there is no need to rush to the ETU, but you should definitely call your doctor and get advice.

• If you pass more than six loose stools in 24 hours.
• If the stool is oily, has a foul odor, and is discolored .
• If constipation occurs first, then diarrhea occurs.
• If diarrhea lasts more than a week .
• Even though you eat well, your body weight is slowly decreasing .
• If you have nausea or stomach ache for more than two days .
• If you have a fever (between 99-101 Fahrenheit) for more than two days .

What are the causes of diarrhea?

There are several common causes of diarrhea in adults.

• Bacterial or viral infections: These are the most common causes. Some serious infections can also cause vomiting.
• Medications: Some medications, especially cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and galantamine, which are used to treat Alzheimer's disease, can disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and cause diarrhea.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): If you have diarrhea with stomach cramps for no apparent reason, it could be IBS. It can be aggravated by certain foods, lack of exercise, and stress.
• Recent surgery: If you have had surgery on your stomach, especially your intestines or gallbladder, you may experience diarrhea.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is when the body's own immune system attacks the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two types of this disease.
• Malabsorption syndromes: This is when the body is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food. Examples include lactose intolerance and celiac disease.

How to treat diarrhea at home?

If your loved one has diarrhea, give them plenty of fluids to drink. Even if they aren't vomiting, even if they say they're not thirsty, give them fluids like broth, fruit juice (without caffeine), and fresh fruit juice. These are better than just water, as they help replace important salts like sodium and potassium that are lost from the diarrhea. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, such as coffee, some soft drinks, wine, and beer.

If you are vomiting, it may be difficult to keep fluids down. Give them little by little. For example, give them about two tablespoons every 15 minutes. But if they can't keep anything down for more than 48 hours, you should definitely see a doctor. They may need to give you IV fluids.

For meals, offer light, easily digestible, low-fiber foods . For example, you can offer saltine crackers, bread, eggs, boiled chicken, yogurt, or rice.

Be careful with medication!

When diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, it's actually the body's way of getting rid of the germs. If you give your child medicine to stop the diarrhea, the infection can stay in the body longer and make the pain worse. So, don't give your child any over-the-counter medicine without first consulting your doctor.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a medication like loperamide. But if you are given one, be careful about the following:

• Do not give this medicine if you have a fever or stomach bloating.
• Do not give if there is blood in the stool or if the stool is black.
• If constipation occurs while using this medication, stop taking the medication immediately.

How to prevent diarrhea?

• If your loved one started having diarrhea after starting an Alzheimer's medication, talk to their doctor about changing the dosage.
• Wash food thoroughly and cook it thoroughly. When cooking meat, cook it until it is no longer red/pink inside.
• You and your loved one should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Avoid spicy, oily, and highly seasoned foods .
• Some vitamins or other supplements can also cause diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new. You can also try probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria for your gut, on your doctor's advice.

Protect yourself (to those who are hosting you)

Since diarrhea is often a contagious disease, those caring for the patient must also be protected.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before preparing food, before eating, and after visiting a sick person.
• Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning the patient or helping with the toilet.
• Clean areas like the toilet and sink thoroughly with disinfectant.

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