Incontinence Is Part of Aging
“Incontinence is a common part of aging but it is never normal,” says Dr. Lisa Rosenberg, M.D., of the University of Pittsburgh’s geriatric department. The bladder and the muscles that support it tend to sag with age, making it more difficult to store urine. As well, many medications taken by seniors for various illnesses (such as hypertension and arthritis) can increase bladder problems and lead to incontinence. A common cause of transient urinary incontinence is a urinary tract infection.
An inability to reach the bathroom in time leads to the diagnosis of functional incontinence. If arthritis makes unzipping one’s pants difficult or a bad hip means a trip to the facilities takes longer than expected, accidents can ensue. Neurological disorders, stroke complications, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis can also cause functional incontinence. As described by most of care homes in Scotland, the patient still feels the urge to void, but his mind cannot plan or carry out a trip to the bathroom.
Your loved one may feel embarrassed by his or her accidents and avoid scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Or perhaps one is unsure of whom to see: a primary care physician, a nurse practitioner, or a urology specialist. Maybe your loved one is using absorbent pads or protective underwear. But the best reason to see a doctor is this: elderly urinary incontinence is a very treatable condition.
If you have stress incontinence and other treatments haven’t been effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to support your bladder neck and urethra. There are several different surgical procedures – your doctor will explain the options with you. For many people, a trip to the bathroom is something they can easily delay. But for roughly 13 million Americans who suffer from urinary incontinencethe involuntary leaking of urineholding it in isn’t an option.
