The prevalence of urinary incontinence and its relationship with physical and cognitive status in older adults: Results of the Crystal and the Eucalyptus studies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence worsens the psychological state of older adults, increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, falls-related injuries, leads to a decrease in the quality of life, and a decrease in the level of physical activity in old age.
 AIM: To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence according to the data of the Crystal and Eucalyptus studies, to identify factors associated with the development of urinary incontinence, as well as factors that reduce the risk of urinary incontinence in old age.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 1007 people aged 65 and older. The main parameters: urinary incontinence, frailty, nutritional status, anemia, CRP, functional status, depression, dementia, chronic diseases, grip strength, level of physical functioning, falls. The observation time is 2.5 years.
 RESULTS: According to the Eucalyptus study, urinary incontinence syndrome was detected in 48.0%, in the Crystal study in 41.2%. In 62.4% cases urinary incontinence was diagnosed for the first time. Urinary incontinence was associated with a higher prevalence of COPD, history of stroke, sensory deficits, frailty and other geriatric syndromes. Improved nutrition and increased protein intake led to the disappearance of urinary incontinence complaints in 47.7% of cases. The disappearance of complaints of urinary incontinence was associated with an improvement in the emotional status. A decline in cognitive function has been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence in old age.
 CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of urinary incontinence, it often remains undiagnosed. The correct wording of the question in the conversation with the patient allows to identify 30% more cases of urinary incontinence. Given the high prevalence of urinary incontinence among patients with COPD, stroke, sensory deficits, frailty and other geriatric syndromes, all patients in these groups should be purposefully asked about the presence of symptoms of urinary incontinence. Improved nutrition and increased protein intake are associated with the disappearance of urinary incontinence complaints.