Unstable bladder in elderly patients

In more than half of geriatric patients with urinary incontinence, bladder instability is the underlying cause. Unstable bladder is due to decreased bladder capacity and reduced ability to inhibit voiding, which often occur as a part of aging. Behavior modification has been used to treat this problem. Medications, including those with anticholinergic properties and smooth muscle relaxants, are also helpful. Bladder distention therapy and intravesical anesthetics are rarely used.