Parkinson’s can affect the nerves that control the bladder and bowel.
Constipation, urinary frequency, and incontinence are common issues, but exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Seek help, get support, and regain your confidence!
What does a continence specialist do?
A continence specialist plays a crucial role in helping people living with Parkinson’s manage bladder and bowel issues. These specialists are trained to assess and treat incontinence, a common non-motor symptom.
A continence specialist is a healthcare professional, often a registered nurse, with specialised training in managing bladder and bowel issues. They help individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease to manage incontinence and other related problems.
How they can help
- Continence specialists conduct thorough assessments to understand the specific bladder and bowel issues a person with Parkinson’s is experiencing.
- They develop personalised management plans that may include exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, dietary changes, and medication adjustments.
- They provide education on techniques and lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms, such as timed voiding schedules and fluid management.
- Continence specialists offer emotional support and guidance, helping individuals and their families cope with the challenges of incontinence.
- They can refer patients to other healthcare professionals, such as urologists or dietitians, for further evaluation and treatment.
- They regularly monitor the individual’s progress and adjust the management plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Common Symptoms: The most common bladder issues include urgency, frequency, retention, and nocturia (waking more than once during the night to urinate).
- Impact on Quality of Life: Incontinence can significantly affect quality of life, leading to emotional distress, reduced confidence, and social isolation.
Seeing a continence specialist can help you manage these symptoms effectively and improve your overall quality of life.
How do I access an support?
Take the first steps:
- Talk to your GP or a continence specialist
- Explore pelvic floor exercises and bladder training
- Learn about products and resources that can help
More info at:
Continence Foundation Australia & Parkinson’s
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Poise Free Pelvic Floor Exercise Videos
State and Territory Continence Schemes
The National Public Toilet Map
Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) and Invisible Disabilities lanyard toilet access card are also available to help access toilets while out and about.
Infosheet kindly reviewed by Continence Foundation Australia
To get help with continence issues contact the National Continence Helpline at 1800 33 00 66. They provide free information and can connect you with services near you. Or go to their website at continence.org.au
References:
(1) Continence Foundation of Australia. (2023). The Economic Cost of Incontinence. Deloitte Access Economics. https://www.continence.org.au/about-us/our-work/economic-cost-incontinence
(2) Li, F. F., Cui, Y. S., Yan, R., Cao, S. S., & Feng, T. (2022). Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence and retention in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 14, 977572. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.977572
Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal
Parkinson’s Disease and bladder and bowel factsheet, CFA (2024)
