That sounds like an incredibly exhausting and worrying night — for both you and your dad. Nine bowel movements in one night is a lot, and it's completely understandable to be concerned.
At 6 years into his journey with Alzheimer's, bowel changes can happen, but this level of frequency isn't something to brush off. It's Show Full Answer
That sounds like an incredibly exhausting and worrying night — for both you and your dad. Nine bowel movements in one night is a lot, and it's completely understandable to be concerned.
At 6 years into his journey with Alzheimer's, bowel changes can happen, but this level of frequency isn't something to brush off. It's important to contact his doctor as soon as possible. There are a few things worth flagging to the doctor, as several factors can contribute to this kind of episode:
- Chronic diarrhea can be a direct cause of bowel incontinence
- Dehydration — especially if your dad forgets to drink fluids — can trigger bowel issues
- Constipation with overflow — this can actually look like diarrhea but is caused by liquid stool leaking around a hard blockage, which needs urgent attention
- Infections or other underlying causes that a doctor can identify and treat
To help the doctor, try keeping a simple log of bowel movements, fluid intake, and timing for a few days. This gives the doctor the clearest picture of what's going on. Also, please don't forget to take care of yourself too. Nights like that are genuinely hard, and caregiver burnout is real. Reaching out for support — whether from a home health aide or others who understand — can make a big difference.
October 21
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