Urinary Incontinence

• Urinary incontinence occurs when a person can't keep from leaking urine. This can occur in large amounts or a little at a time.
  
  

Significance

• Urinary incontinence is most common in older adults and occurs in more women than men. According to American Family Physician magazine, half of homebound or institutionalize older adults experience it.
  
  

Physical Causes

• Urinary incontinence in an older adult can be caused by physical issues like weakened pelvic muscles or enlarged prostates. Also, mobility issues like arthritis or difficulty walking can make it difficult for him to reach the restroom in time.
  
  

Psychological Causes

• An older adult can also experience urinary incontinence because of psychological problems like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, which prevents her from recognizing the body's signals that she needs to urinate, leading to bladder overflowing.
  
  

Considerations

• Treatments and management options are available for urinary incontinence. Treatments include exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles, medication and surgery. Incontinence can be managed with absorbent pads or intermittent catheterization.