Incontinence

Question 1

What changes in older patients make them more likely to have incontinence?

Answer 1

Decreased bladder capacity
Decreased urethral closure pressure
Increased post-void residual volume
Increased detrusor activity

Question 2

What are the transient causes of incontinence in the elderly? (DIAPPERS)

Answer 2

Delirium
Infection
Atrophic urethritis/vaginitis
Pharmaceutical/prostate
Psychological (especially depression)
Endocrine (or excess fluid intake/output)
Restricted mobility
Stool impaction