Recherche en médecine familiale et en sciences médicales
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Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly: An Overlooked and Under-Treated Problem

Sabzwari S and Amin F

Urinary incontinence is common problem in the elderly that often goes unreported and therefore undertreated. Its importance lies in the fact that its presence in older individuals often represents a decline in the overall physical, mental and psychological health of the affected individual. Moreover it has significant social implications.

A simple but comprehensive approach is required to address this growing problem that starts from a query of its presence along with degree, severity of symptoms and presence of contributing and aggravating factors. Basic examination and investigations often identify the most common causative factors. Management is largely a combination of non-pharmacological and drug therapy for which monitoring of side effects and drug interactions is advisable. Urinary incontinence rate are expected to rise with the growing number of elderly individuals and requires a change in how this often ignored symptom is approached by the medical community.