From the Guidelines
Urge incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence in older adults. This condition is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. It occurs when the bladder muscle contracts inappropriately, even when the bladder isn't full. Age-related changes in the bladder, including decreased capacity and increased involuntary contractions, contribute to its prevalence in older populations. Other factors that can exacerbate urge incontinence include neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson's disease, urinary tract infections, and certain medications.
According to the study published in the European Urology journal in 2025 1, the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) increases with age, but it does not provide information on the most common type of urinary incontinence in older adults. However, another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal in 2018 1 reports that urinary incontinence affects an estimated 51% of women overall and increases in prevalence with age.
The most relevant information on the topic is provided by the study published in the European Urology journal in 2025 1, but it focuses on the management of female stress urinary incontinence. On the other hand, the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal in 2018 1 provides more general information on urinary incontinence in women, including its prevalence and types.
Key points to consider when managing urinary incontinence in older adults include:
- Age-related changes in the bladder contribute to the prevalence of urinary incontinence
- Neurological conditions, urinary tract infections, and certain medications can exacerbate urge incontinence
- Treatment typically involves behavioral modifications and medications like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists
- Lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight, can also help manage symptoms
In terms of treatment, medications like anticholinergics (oxybutynin, tolterodine) or beta-3 agonists (mirabegron) can help relax the bladder muscle and reduce contractions, while lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and establishing regular voiding schedules, can also help manage symptoms. For severe cases unresponsive to these approaches, more advanced treatments like Botox injections into the bladder or nerve stimulation therapy may be considered, as mentioned in the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal in 2014 1.
From the Research
Types of Urinary Incontinence
The most common types of urinary incontinence include:
- Mixed incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
Prevalence of Urge Incontinence
According to the studies, urge incontinence is a significant problem in older adults. A study published in 1998 2 found that behavioral treatment was effective in reducing urge incontinence in older women. Another study published in 2002 3 found that both behavioral and drug treatment were effective in reducing urge incontinence.
Comparison of Types of Incontinence
While the studies do not provide a direct comparison of the prevalence of different types of incontinence, they suggest that urge incontinence is a common problem in older adults. A study published in 2000 4 found that combining behavioral and drug treatment was effective in reducing urge incontinence. Another study published in 2002 5 found that urgency and urge incontinence were associated with increased mortality in older adults.
Most Common Type of Incontinence
Based on the studies, it appears that urge incontinence is a common type of incontinence in older adults. However, the studies do not provide a clear answer to which type of incontinence is the most common. A study published in 2012 6 notes that urinary incontinence is a common problem in the elderly, but does not specify the most common type.
Key Findings
- Urge incontinence is a significant problem in older adults 2, 3, 4, 5
- Behavioral and drug treatment can be effective in reducing urge incontinence 2, 3, 4
- Urgency and urge incontinence are associated with increased mortality in older adults 5
- Urinary incontinence is a common problem in the elderly, but the most common type is not specified 6