The aging lower urinary tract.

PURPOSE

Age related changes in continence and the GU system, and how they affect the management of LUT dysfunction are discussed. Guidelines are offered regarding the diagnosis and management of incontinence in the elderly population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Published literature and current treatment practice specific to elderly patients with LUT dysfunction were reviewed.

RESULTS

LUT symptoms in the elderly population are affected by the high prevalence of comorbidity and polypharmacy. In addition, the GU system undergoes age related changes that increase the risk of LUT dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Incontinence in older persons is almost always caused by multiple factors, of which not all are directly related to the GU system. Issues such as polypharmacy, comorbidity, and the increased risk of medication side effects must be considered in planning treatment. The primary care physician and urologist or gynecologist should establish a partnership to co-manage the broad spectrum of factors affecting continence in elderly patients.