The Prevalence and Treatment of Voiding Dysfunction in the Elderly

Abstract

Voiding dysfunction is estimated to be present in more than half of the elderly population. Age-related changes to the lower urinary tract predispose geriatric patients to urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, nocturia, bladder outlet obstruction, and detrusor hyperreflexia with impaired contractility. Urinary symptoms can also be caused by neurogenic disease such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Regardless of the etiology, voiding dysfunction in older patients is associated with dangerous comorbidities, including falls, and its presence can decrease quality of life. For this reason, identification and subsequent treatment is necessary. Treatment should be tailored to each individual patient, starting with behavioral modifications before proceeding to pharmacologic and surgical therapy.