Incontinence in the Elderly

Incontinence is the involuntary excretion of urine or feces. While incontinence can happen to anyone, it’s far more common in older adults. The Mayo Clinic Health System reports that up to 75% of women over age 65 report urine leakage. Additionally, 60-70% of people with Alzheimer's eventually become incontinent. Although a multitude of older adults deal with incontinence issues, it is not a normal part of the aging process.

What Causes Incontinence?

Problems in the urinary system can be caused by aging, illness, or injury. The muscles in and around the bladder and urethra tend to become weaker with age. Weak muscles of the sphincters and pelvis can lead to urinary incontinence because the sphincter muscles cannot remain tight enough to hold urine in the bladder, or the bladder does not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in its proper position. Weak bladder muscles may also result in not being able to empty the bladder completely.

Additionally, incontinence may be caused by medication interactions, vaginal or urinary tract infections, prostate problems and progressive diseases that lead to cognitive and physical decline. Functional incontinence is a type that occurs because of difficulties with toileting due to confusion or physical limitations in getting to the bathroom in time.

Caring for Someone with Incontinence

Unfortunately, many individuals who suffer with leakage or incontinence issues are resistant to seeking treatment due to shame or embarrassment. However, attempts to hide the problem from caregivers and medical providers may present a missed opportunity in treating or managing incontinence issues. Acute incontinence, caused by issues like urinary tract infections, diabetes, and medication interactions, is often treatable and even reversible by addressing underlying conditions and bladder control training.

Unfortunately, later stages of progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, often lead to chronic incontinence which comes with its own physical and social consequences. Individuals experiencing chronic incontinence have higher rates of pressure ulcers, skin infections, and urinary tract infections as well as increased levels of embarrassment and depression. Fortunately, resources are available to cope with the impact of incontinence on quality of life for both older adults and their caregivers.

Browse AgingCare's collection of incontinence articles and Caregiver Q&A for expert advice and tips from a community of caregivers who truly understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with incontinence.