Prof. Dr. Oktay Demirkesen, Urology Specialist and Chairperson of the Turkish Continence Society, states that medication use is an extremely important factor in urinary incontinence, adding that the rate of using five or more medications in combination is 44 percent in men and 57 percent in women in the USA among individuals over the age of 65 years”.
Urinary incontinence is on the rise, involving women more commonly than men. However, this disorder can also occur in old or disabled individuals due to various reasons. “Old age refers to ages over 65 years and the number of old individuals in society is constantly increasing” says Prof. Dr. Oktay Demirkesen, Urology Specialist and Chairperson of the Turkish Continence Society. “The population over the age of 65 years was estimated to be 420 million globally as of 2000 and is expected to reach 973 million individuals by 2030. The incidence of urinary incontinence increases with the growth of the aging population. However, urinary incontinence is not only related to chronological age as it can also occur due to certain underlying medical reasons such as mental disorders, urinary tract infections, urethritis, atrophic vaginitis in women, certain medications, depression, and poorly controlled metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Treatment of such underlying causes can help resolve the problem of urinary incontinence”.
“Individuals aged 65 years and over usually have temporary urinary incontinence”, says Prof. Dr. Demirkesen and adds that individuals at the age of 65 years and over often experience urge incontinence characterized by an imminent need to urinate followed by urinary leakage before reaching the toilet. Prof. Dr. Demirkesen informs that stress urinary incontinence, which occurs in men after prostate surgery, may occur in women too, although more rarely.
“Medication use may lead to urinary incontinence”
Highlighting that medication use is an extremely important factor in urinary incontinence, Prof. Dr. Oktay Demirkesen explains: “Polypharmacy is a common condition in old individuals. The rate of using five or more drugs in individuals over the age of 65 years has been reported to be 44 percent in men and 57 percent in women in the USA. In the years between 1995 and 2005, the reports of medication adverse effects increased three folds. Certain medications to treat psychiatric disorders, some antihypertensives, painkillers, or antidepressants, systemic estrogen use, and anticholinergics can cause urinary incontinence through various mechanisms. Furthermore, medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterase inhibitors) to slow down memory impairment can induce urinary incontinence. One should always remember that non-prescription medications may be the underlying cause of urinary incontinence”.
Treatment of urinary incontinence in old individuals
Saying that the key in urinary incontinence treatment is to reveal the underlying cause, Prof. Dr. Oktay Demirkesen explains: “The cause of urinary incontinence may originate from the urinary bladder or its outlet, warranting a careful examination of the patient. Several treatment options are available today, but the likelihood of success in this age group is somewhat lower than that in younger patients. However, a significant number of patients may be successfully treated with non-surgical or surgical methods targeting the underlying cause. Selected treatment methods should not impose risks on old patients. Products to help with urinary incontinence are of great importance because they improve the quality of life of patients. The key is to select the most suitable product for the needs of individuals. Such products are useful in patients to be treated, or those who are unlikely to achieve complete dryness. Absorbent pads, manufactured with cutting-edge technology, are especially well-suited to keep the skin dry.”
Noting that younger individuals may adopt the habits of regular fluid intake and regular emptying of the bladder as the leading measures to prevent urinary incontinence, Prof. Dr. Oktay Demirkesen says that not only regular workouts but even regular physical activity in old age help avoid this untoward condition by strengthening the pelvic floor.
Source: Milliyet