URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY - OFTEN SIMPLE TO TREAT WHEN PROPERLY EVALUATED

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent problem in the elderly, and its me dical, social, and economic costs are significant. Incontinence may be transient or long-standing reversible causes must be ruled out. Thoro ugh history taking, a targeted physical examination, and simple office tests usually lead to a diagnosis. When the type of incontinence is k nown, appropriate treatment may bring improvement in symptoms or a ret urn to continence. Clinicians and patients alike benefit from the real ization that urinary incontinence is a treatable problem.