Urinary Incontinence in Old Age as the Most Frequent Medical Problem

Etiology of Incontinence

Perfect coordination of an intact nervous and urogenital system is essential for continence. However, due to aging, changes occur in the body that affect bladder function.

Common factors contributing to the onset of incontinence in seniors include reduced mobility, loss of fine motor skills, dehydration, or constipation. Of neurological causes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, as well as tumors and traumas of the nervous system are most prevalent. Disorders at the level of the urogenital tract usually arise from subvesical obstruction in men or inadequate closure of the urethral mechanism in women. In both sexes, causes of incontinence can also include urinary infections and bladder tumors, cystolithiasis, and myogenic detrusor disorders.

Chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart failure) and some medications, especially diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antidepressants, further contribute to incontinence. Additional risk factors for women include menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Old Age

Just as with any disease and symptoms, urinary incontinence can also be prevented. Timely preventive measures can avert not only the onset of urinary incontinence but also the development of complications and consequences accompanying the disease. Key principles of prevention include regular check-ups with a GP or specialist, adequate fluid and fiber intake, and timely therapy and compensation for both acute and chronic diseases.

Treatment of incontinence in seniors has its specifics and risks. Given the polymorbidity and high risk of surgical treatment, a strictly individual approach is necessary. Decisions on therapy options depend not only on the patient's cognitive abilities, mobility, and ability to perform daily activities but also on any support from family members. For seniors, conservative treatment with the recommendation of suitable incontinence aids is often the best solution, as these aids are frequently an effective and dignified way to address the issue.

Incontinence Aids

The range of incontinence aids is extensive, with pads, diapers, and briefs designed according to the degree of incontinence and the patient's gender. The correctly chosen aid must fit the patient well in terms of size and absorbency and meet quality and functional parameters. Doctors should introduce these aids to their patients to provide the needed confidence and not deter them from their use through potential ignorance.

Many patients, despite significant advances in aid manufacturing technology, still believe that an incontinence pad is the same as a menstrual pad and are unaware of the wide range of reliable and comfortable aids available.

Conclusion

Older individuals often feel embarrassed to talk about incontinence and sometimes even conceal it. They may also mistakenly believe that incontinence is a natural part of aging. Up to half of the affected do not seek a doctor's support. Therefore, it is good to ask about incontinence issues directly. A sensitive approach, patient motivation, providing relevant information, and offering solution options are crucial parts of caring for the older population.

(mraf)

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