1991 Volume 82 Issue 8 Pages 1299-1304
Urinary incontinence among institutionalyzed elderly were analyzed from clinical and social viewpoints.
The patient group included 25 males and 107 females with an average age of 78 years (ranged from 66 to 92). They had neither highly impaired performance status nor severe dementia. Forty-nine of them (37%) underwent urological examination. Urge incontinence was common among male patients, while urge, stress or mixed incontinence were prevalent in female patients. Thirty-six per cent of the patients had to use pads, diapers and others for their incontinence, while other needed no special protection for their incontinence. Incontinence caused limitation of social activity in 30% of the patients.
Many causal factors were assumed for incontinence in elderly; weakness of the pelvic muscles, urinary tract infection, cerebrovascular disorders, neurological disorders and prior pelvic surgery. Prostatic carcinoma or urethral stricture caused overflow incontinence in a few patients. Diuretics or tranquilizers appeared to lead incontinence in some patients. Nine of 18 patients undergoing cystometry had overactive detrusor.
Majority of the incontinent elderly showed no intention to visit clinics. Therefore, it recommended to keep staffs in elderly institutions as well as elderly themselves informed that incontinence in the elderly should be treated, which in turn improves the quality of life.
