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Current Geriatrics Reports
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports 2/2017

01-06-2017 | Geriatric Urology (H Richter, Section Editor)

The Relationship Between Urinary Incontinence, Mobility Limitations, and Disability in Older Women

Authors: Tatiana V. Sanses, Bela Kudish, Jack M. Guralnik

Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper describes current understanding and the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI), mobility limitations, and disability in older women with pelvic floor disorders.

Recent Findings

UI is a prevalent pelvic floor disorder in older women and is considered to be one of the most common geriatric problems. There is no clear classification of UI as a disease versus UI as a geriatric syndrome in the current literature. Since the disability is also prevalent in older women, an evaluation of the relationship between UI and disability may improve our understanding of UI as a disease or a geriatric syndrome. This relationship may be classified through different pathways. Some evidence suggests that mobility disabilities and UI in older women may have bidirectional pathophysiologic mechanisms through generalized muscle dysfunction.

Summary

Expanding research on the mechanisms of UI, mobility limitations, and disability in older women as well as their associations will enhance our insight into clinical, pharmacological, environmental, behavioral, and rehabilitative interventions. It will also lead to improved measures for UI prevention and treatment in older women. Thus, understanding UI, mobility limitations, and disability can have substantial implications for both clinical work and research in this area.
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Metadata
Title
The Relationship Between Urinary Incontinence, Mobility Limitations, and Disability in Older Women
Authors
Tatiana V. Sanses
Bela Kudish
Jack M. Guralnik
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Geriatrics Reports / Issue 2/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2196-7865
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-017-0202-4

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