URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY - CAUSES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent and distressing condition that aff ects >30% of elderly individuals. A wide variety of treatment modaliti es is available, and can be effective in reducing or eliminating the s ymptoms and adverse consequences of urinary incontinence, Pharmacologi cal therapy is an important component of the successful management of this condition, but the agents currently used do not act selectively o n the lower urinary tract. Adverse effects of drug treatment are commo n, and are especially problematic in the elderly. A careful assessment of the type of urinary incontinence and the institution of a rational management programme are the keys to improvement or even cure in pati ents with this condition.