[Overactive bladder in the elderly]

Abstract

The prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) increases with age and is associated with a clear reduction in patient quality of life. Age-related alterations of the urinary bladder as well as increased occurrence of neurological and non-neurological diseases with age contribute to the onset of OAB. Antimuscarinic drugs are the medication of choice; however, restricted tolerability and polypharmacotherapy limit administration in the elderly. Extended release preparations are to be favored as constant intake of medication is more feasible and adverse effects occur less often compared to immediate release formulations. With respect to cognitive impairment newly introduced substances and quaternary amines seem to be advantageous. However, constipation remains a notable side effect in older patients. Intravesical botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) injections are an alternative and a therapeutic escalation in patients suffering from OAB. Adverse events are very rare and drug interactions are unknown; however, injections can result in hypercontinence causing the necessity for artificial urine drainage.