My Mum has recently been diagnosed as having Dementia. While many of her friends & family had had suspicions for the last 2 years, her decline in the last 3 months has been dramatic. She was admitted to hospital just over a week ago for a gynaecological investigation but she has been so confused while in hospital that the occupational therapist has concluded that she is not capable of living independently. This means that she is simply sitting there in hospital, wondering where she is and why. One problem which has become particularly acute is incontinence. I did wonder whether Mum had a problem when I went into her house recently and found lots of wet underwear and clothing hidden away in plasic bags. However, since she has been in hospital, she seems to be wet much of the time. The hospital consultant thought that her problem might be caused by a urinary infection, and she has been on antibiotics. However, the infection now seems to have gone, but the incontinence hasn't. I have bought her incontinence pads from the chemist, but she seems to forget to wear them. Can anyone tell me whether dementia incontinence can develop so quickly? I had thought that this was something that only happened when the dementia was very advanced - maybe my Mum has reached this stage now, but it has all happened so quickly.