The prevalence of urinary incontinence in the elderly varies from 8 to 34% according to the criteria or method of investigation. The etiology or main associated factors are: aging tissular degeneration that compromise the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor, changes of peripheric and central nervous system, hormonal alterations such as menopause, nocturnal polyuria, benign prostate hyperplasia, concomitant diseases and side effects of medical drugs. The incontinence may be transitory or permanent. Besides a criterious medical history for a better characterization of the urinary loss, a search for associated or concomitant causes and the miccional diary, one oftenly may rely on specialized exams such as urodynamics. A specific diagnosis is of utmost value for correct management that may require only conservative measures based on changes of behaviour or counceiling, drugs prescription, or invasive methods including surgical procedures.
Urinary incontinence; Elderly; Nocturia; Urgency
