What causes older people to lose control of their bladder?

What causes older people to lose control of their bladder?

Reasons for loss of bladder control: Overactive bladder muscles. Blockage from an enlarged prostate. Medication interactions. Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

What does it mean when a man can’t control his bladder?

Because muscles and nerves must work together to control the bladder, any condition that damages the nerves can create urinary problems. Conditions may include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and dementia.

What causes a person to lose control of the bladder?

Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control (urinary incontinence). In men, an enlarged or inflamed prostate also can cause difficult emptying the bladder and incontinence.

What happens to your bladder and bowel movements as you age?

Holding in a bowel movement for too long can cause constipation. Your bladder may become less elastic as you age, resulting in the need to urinate more often. Weakening of bladder muscles and pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult for you to empty your bladder completely or cause you to lose bladder control (urinary incontinence).

Can a grandparent have a UTI at the Cleveland Clinic?

If you have an aging parent or grandparent, chances are they’ve had a urinary tract infection, or UTI, at some point in life. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What to do when Mom and Dad can no longer take care of themselves?

Aging boomers are agonizing over how to help Mom and Dad. I should know — my daughter is one of them It has become the baby boom generation’s latest and, in some ways, most agonizing life crisis: what to do when the parents who once took care of you can no longer take care of themselves.

Is it common for elderly to loose bladder control?

Incontinence, the loss of bladder control can be an embarrassing issue, but it is also an extremely common problem among elderly people. At least 1 in 10 people age 65 or older deals with incontinence. Symptoms range from mild leaking of urine to chronic uncontrollable wetting.

What to do if your parent has bladder control problems?

If your parent is having bladder control problems, they don’t have to suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing incontinence. The doctor will give your parent a physical exam and take their medical history. The doctor will ask about your elder’s symptoms and the medicines he/she uses.

What happens to your life when you have bladder problems?

Bladder problems are common and can disrupt day-to-day life. When people have bladder problems, they may avoid social settings and have a harder time getting tasks done at home or at work.

Do you need to talk to your doctor about bladder control?

Many people with bladder control problems hide the problem from everyone, even from their doctor. There is no need to do that. In most cases, incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured. If your parent is having bladder control problems, they don’t have to suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing incontinence.