What is Functional Incontinence?

Functional incontinence is a form of incontinence in which the bladder works well, but because of a psychological or physical condition someone has difficulty reaching the toilet in time. Contrary to other types of incontinence, such as stress incontinence and urge incontinence, functional incontinence is not caused by problems in the bladder function. 

The term functional incontinence refers to the fact that physical, environmental or mental factors make normal toilet visits difficult. This may be because the toilet is difficult to reach, the person does not know where the toilet is, or side effects of medication cause an unnatural urination pattern.

Functional Incontinence most often affects elderly people and people suffering from physical and/or mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis, preventing them from reaching the toilet in time.

Causes of functional incontinence:

People with an increased risk of functional incontinence include those with neurological diseases such as dementia, and those with eye problems or general blindness. Functional incontinence also includes those people, who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden, or people who are otherwise physically impaired and cannot reach the toilet in time. This group of people often suffer from functional incontinence in new or strange environments because they lack the right tools to reach the toilet in time. This is also the case for blind or partially blind people.

Medicine use and functional incontinence:

Functional incontinence is also sometimes known as drug-induced incontinence because using certain medications such as certain types of diuretics which are sometimes prescribed for cardiac failure, high blood pressure or edema, can cause functional incontinence. Other medications may also increase the risk of functional incontinence if they have a sedating effect on the muscles of the bladder, just as certain medications can disrupt the nerve signals sent to the brain when the bladder is full.

Causes of functional incontinence:

Functional incontinence can be difficult to distinguish from other kinds of incontinence because many of these patients are not fully aware of their problems or are not able to explain them. Neurological diseases can also cause urge incontinence. As a result, functional incontinence can be difficult to treat and is often misdiagnosed.

A thorough physical examination and medical history by your doctor is very important.

Solutions for functional incontinence:

Functional incontinence can often be prevented or solved. Since functional incontinence is generally a practical problem rather than a disease, the treatment generally requires a practical solution. First and foremost, the people or patients with functional incontinence should be offered regular toilet visits and offered help with the clothing if needed. Easy access and knowledge of the location of the toilet can also be a good solution for functional incontinence. Application of other aids, such as toilet bars and handles, are also part of the solution.

Tips and solutions for functional incontinence:

• Tip 1: For blind or partially blind people it is important that the toilet is easily accessible (keep the light on at night, leave the toilet door open, keep a short distance to the toilet, and remove possible obstacles).

• Tip 2: Provide clothing that can be easily removed (buttons, zips and belts can be difficult).

• Tip 3: Be prepared when leaving the house or going outside by finding out in advance where there are public toilets.

• Tip 4: It is recommended that disabled or wheelchair-bound people are always assisted when using the toilet. The support of care staff should not be underestimated.

• Tip 5: Discuss the medical side effects of medication with a health care practitioner. If possible, switch to a different medication or adjust the dosage.

• Tip 6: Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises can help maintain or regain control of the bladder so that accidents can be prevented.

Sources:

https://www.abena.com/knowledge-center/continence-care/types-of-incontinence/functional-incontinence