Brain Matters

(from Fernandez)

http://forum.parkinson.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7949

Bladder hyperactivity occurs in the majority of Parkinson's disease patients. Urinary symptoms include urinary frequency during the day or night, urinary urgency and incontinence (Kluger and Fernandez 2007). It is important to recognize that other factors can contribute to urinary disturbances in the elderly such as an enlarged prostate in men and pelvic floor weakness in women. A complete urologic evaluation is essential to make the correct diagnosis and provide proper treatment. Fluid intake should be reduced at night. There are several medications to treat urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence (discussed in Module 5). Most of these drugs should be used cautiously in men with prostate enlargement because of the possibility of a condition called bladder outlet obstruction and worsening of thinking and concentration. A bedside commode can be helpful if frequent urination persists particularly in patients at risk for falls.