Geriatric Urology

Older adults frequently suffer from urologic issues specific to their age group. This can be a result of normal physiologic changes associated with aging, or due to interactions of other underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung problems, or difficulties with walking and mobility. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can also be associated with urinary problems. Urological conditions, which occur more commonly in the elderly population, include urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, pelvic organ prolapse, and hematuria (blood in the urine). Polypharmacy is a term that refers to the use of multiple drugs for different health conditions, and is frequently seen in older adults. Some medications can have side effects that affect the urinary system. Many urologists are unfamiliar with the complex interactions that occur between many of these conditions or medications in older adults.