URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION

Objective: To describe the causes, evaluation, and management of urina ry incontinence in the elderly population. Design: We reviewed pertine nt articles in the medical literature and summarized the types of inco ntinence and contributing factors. Results: Urinary incontinence is co mmon in elderly patients and often has a major role in determining whe ther a person can remain independent in the community or requires nurs ing home placement, Urinary incontinence is not a single entity but ra ther several different conditions, each with specific symptoms, findin gs on examination, and recommended treatment, Thus, accurate classific ation is important for appropriate management, Because of the complexi ty of urinary incontinence, many physicians are uncomfortable with und ertaking assessment and treatment, Hence, many patients are not asked about incontinence, and the condition remains untreated and often cons idered a natural consequence of the aging process, Urinary incontinenc e can be treated and either cured or alleviated with treatment. Conclu sion: Elderly patients should be asked about symptoms of urinary incon tinence because appropriate assessment and treatment can usually provi de relief.