Behavior Therapy of Incontinence in Demented Inpatients

Abstract
Social and material rewards were used with six demented men in an attempt to eliminate or lesson their urinary incontinence. No significant changes were observed; possible reasons are discussed. Future studies will focus on more exact determination of incontinence rates, teaching behaviors necessary for bathroom utilization, complete medical evaluation, and adding environmental cues to aid bathroom location. A combined medical and psychological approach which reduces incontinence in the demented elderly adds to the patients' self-esteem and releases staff for more therapeutic work.