Hello, it’s a while since I posted on this distressing subject.
Over the last few weeks my husband 73 (diagnosed 2016 with PD and PD dementia in 2023) is having regular night time incontinence.
I thought this problem had been addressed when it was first brought to the attention of his GP. He was put on Mirabegron 25 mgs daily which he’s taken since then. We were also referred to the continence clinic where he was examined for prostate problems, had a bladder scan and general check up.
I have just put in a request to see the GP to see if he needs another more effective medication or the Mirabegron dosage increased.
In the meantime could any other carers offer any advice or share their own experiences as this is something that doesn’t seem to happen to everyone who has PD.
I’m wondering if it is more connected to the dementia. During the day he is ok both with control of his bladder (occasionally not making it to the loo though) and his dementia isn’t as yet causing too much concern in our daily lives. He is taking 6mgs of Rivastigmine for this but I don’t think I’ve noted it making much difference so I’m speaking to his mental health nurse about this next week.
If anyone can offer some advice and indeed hope with this very stressful problem it would be good to hear from you. Many thanks, Jean.
My husband has a very similar problem. We are both 80 and he’s had PD since 2011 and Parkinson’s dementia for around 3 years, which is gradually getting worse. I buy night incontinence pants and daytime ones from Age.co, which are delivered regularly. They are efficient, good quality and good price. However, we have had some wet bedding - not sure if caused by the pants not working or other factors, like being re-arranged during the night! The daytime ones have been very reliable. Using a urine bottle to wee into is also less risky and messy than going straight to the toilet. Good luck!
Good morning Pen, thank you for your reply.
I had some incontinence pants in from when he had this problem in the past then it settled down.
They were only supermarket ones and they were useless. Yesterday I bought some Tena men’s pants and he wore them last night. He had a better night and the pants are still dry and intact! this morning.
I knew as soon as I put them on that they fitted better and he said they were very comfortable. He’s always had a bottle by the side of his bed to use in the night to save going to the bathroom.
The problem has always been the difficulty he finds getting out of bed at night even to just use the bottle next to his bed.
I’m hoping these better quality pants will at least hold the urine in if he doesn’t make it in time.
I’ve contacted our GP with a request to see if the mirabegron could be increased or if there’s a better med to control the nocturia.
Does your husband take any meds for this?
Wishing you both well. Thank you. Jean
Hi, Jean1.
I’m really sorry to hear that your husband is struggling with this, and I completely understand how distressing it must be for both of you. Incontinence can be a difficult and sometimes overlooked symptom of Parkinson’s.
It’s great that you’re in touch with the GP and mental health nurse, and getting a second opinion on the Mirabegron dosage or medication options is a positive step.
There are other approaches that could help in managing bladder and bowel problems in Parkinson’s. This page offers useful resources for coping with incontinence.
It’s important to stay in close communication with healthcare professionals, especially when it feels like things aren’t improving, and you’re absolutely right to advocate for the best possible care for your husband.
Sending you lots of support, and please know you’re not alone in navigating these difficult challenges 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Thank you Candice, I’ll take a look at that info on the site. I would say it’s the most distressing symptom of his Parkinson’s. It impacts greatly on the social.side ift things too, especially the constant worry about bowel urgency while out and about. I just hope once we’ve seen the GP and PD nurse things will return to more or less as ‘normal’ as they can be for him. Thank you. Jean