June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month.

When people think about Alzheimer's disease, memory loss is usually the first symptom that comes to mind. But for many families, one of the most challenging parts of the caregiving journey is managing incontinence.

At Total Dry, we work with caregivers every day who are looking for practical solutions that help their loved ones stay comfortable, dry, and protected. That's why we're taking a closer look at the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and incontinence—and what caregivers can do to make daily care easier.

Why Does Alzheimer's Disease Cause Incontinence?

Alzheimer's affects much more than memory.

As the disease progresses, it damages areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, communication, mobility, and bladder control. Even when the bladder itself is healthy, the brain may no longer recognize signals that it's time to use the restroom.

People living with Alzheimer's may:

• Forget where the bathroom is located
• Not recognize the urge to urinate
• Have difficulty reaching the bathroom in time
• Experience mobility limitations
• Struggle to communicate their needs

For many families, accidents become more frequent as the disease advances.

Recent Advances in Alzheimer's Research

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, researchers are making encouraging progress in early detection and treatment.

A major breakthrough came from researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Washington University School of Medicine. In 2025 and 2026, scientists developed blood-based tests capable of detecting Alzheimer's-related changes years before symptoms become severe. Researchers believe these tests could help identify patients earlier and allow families to access support and treatment sooner.

Researchers are also continuing to study anti-amyloid therapies, including medications such as lecanemab and donanemab. Clinical studies have shown that these treatments may help slow cognitive decline in some patients when started during the earliest stages of the disease.

Another important milestone came in 2025 when the FDA cleared the first blood test to aid in Alzheimer's diagnosis, making screening less invasive and more accessible than traditional brain scans or spinal fluid testing.

While these advances offer hope for the future, millions of families continue to manage the day-to-day realities of Alzheimer's today—including one challenge that often receives less attention: incontinence.

Supporting Someone Living with Alzheimer's

There is no single solution for Alzheimer's-related incontinence, but a few practical strategies can make daily life easier for both caregivers and loved ones.

Create a Consistent Bathroom Routine

Scheduled bathroom visits can help reduce accidents and provide structure throughout the day.

Make the Bathroom Easy to Find

Good lighting, clear pathways, and visible bathroom signs can help individuals remain independent for as long as possible.

Protect Skin and Surfaces

As incontinence becomes more frequent, reliable protection becomes essential for maintaining comfort, dignity, and cleanliness.

Why High-Absorbency Protection Matters

Unlike occasional bladder leaks, Alzheimer's-related incontinence is often moderate to heavy, particularly in the middle and later stages of the disease.

For caregivers, dependable absorbent products can help reduce clothing changes, protect furniture and bedding, and make daily care more manageable.

Total Dry Protective Underwear

Designed for heavy absorbency, Total Dry Protective Underwear helps keep users dry and comfortable throughout the day and night while supporting dignity and confidence.

Total Dry Booster Pads

For individuals who need additional protection, Total Dry Booster Pads can increase absorbency and help manage heavier episodes of incontinence.

Total Dry Underpads

Total Dry Underpads provide dependable protection for:

• Beds
• Wheelchairs
• Recliners
• Sofas
• Car seats

They help keep surfaces dry and simplify cleanup, making life easier for caregivers while protecting valuable furniture and equipment.

Care Starts with Comfort

Alzheimer's disease affects far more than memory. As the condition progresses, challenges such as incontinence often become part of everyday care.

While researchers continue working toward earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments, caregivers need practical solutions today.

This Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, Total Dry recognizes the dedication of caregivers everywhere. With the right support, routines, and protection products, families can focus less on accidents and more on spending meaningful time together.

Sources:

• NIH – Blood Test Predicts Start of Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
• Washington University School of Medicine – Blood Test "Clocks" Predict When Alzheimer's Symptoms Will Start
• NIH 2025 Dementia Research Progress Report
• Mayo Clinic – FDA-Approved Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's Association – Blood-Based Biomarker Testing Updates
• Research Review on Donanemab and Anti-Amyloid Therapies