Perspectives on overactive bladder in the elderly population

Abstract

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) represents a disruption in the storage function of the lower urinary tract. This bothersome condition occurs more commonly in the elderly. Since population forecasts predict a worldwide increase in the proportion of people aged over 65 years, it is reasonable to expect that the healthcare burden associated with OAB will also increase. The pathophysiology of OAB in the elderly is thought to be multifactorial, with an abnormality occurring in the nervous supply and/or the structure/function of the urothelium or bladder smooth muscle, leading to bladder hypersensitivity, abnormalities in bladder sensation (urgency) and involuntary detrusor contraction.

Methods: A review of some of the key aspects relating to management of this growing population was undertaken.

Results: The potential for an elderly patient to present with a number of concomitant conditions means that careful characterization of their overall status is required before deciding on the most appropriate management option for their urinary tract pathology. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological agents have shown success in treating OAB in the elderly, but as this patient group often has many concomitant conditions they are more likely to be seen by a non-urology specialist.

Conclusions: It is therefore important to raise awareness of the condition and an appreciation of its impact among healthcare professionals to ensure the most appropriate care.