Frontotemporal Dementia Caregiver Support Center

The Better Health Channel defines incontinence as the loss of control of bladder or bowel function, or both. Our brains send messages to our bladder and bowel telling them when it is necessary to empty them. Being in control of these functions depends on an awareness of bodily sensations, such as the feeling of having a full bladder, and the memory of how, when, and where to respond. When there is a decline of intellect and memory as a result of dementia incontinence may occur.