Association of Urinary Incontinence With Depression, Insomnia, Frailty and Falls in Older Adults

Overview

The aim of our study is to provide a holistic analysis of the geriatric syndromes associated with urinary incontinence, which can result in significant adverse outcomes in the elderly, and to explore the gender-specific relationships within these associations. The study revealed that urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among the older adults, particularly in women, and is associated strongly with depression, insomnia, frailty, and falls. Moreover, while older women with urinary incontinence exhibited more depressive symptoms than men, urinary incontinence was associated with similar frequencies of insomnia in both sexes. Considering the negative outcomes of depression, insomnia, frailty, and falls in older adults, as well as a decline in functionality, cognitive impairment, and prolonged hospitalizations and even mortality they cause, it becomes evident that urinary incontinence must be routinely assessed and treated by clinicians.

Conditions