Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly

Background
Urinary incontinence is a widespread health problem. Approximately half a million Swedes, primarily women, have urinary incontinence. Due to dementia, stroke and many other factors, the problem grows more frequent with age. More than half of patients in elderly care develop urinary incontinence. The condition accounts for approximately 2 per cent of all healthcare costs in Sweden.

Urinary incontinence can significantly affect social functioning, activities of daily living and quality of life. Thus, treatment is vital to individual wellbeing. Because there are various forms of the condition – stress, urge, mixed and functional incontinence – thorough individual assessment is required to identify the most appropriate treatment option.

The purpose of this project is to shed light on the scientific evidence for various methods of treating urinary incontinence among the elderly who are in the poorest health. Ethical and health economic aspects will also be presented.