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Fecal incontinence in older adults
1Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Avenue, M-238, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA. tariqsh@slu.edu
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|October 10, 2007
Summary
Fecal incontinence affects many older adults and is linked to dementia, disability, and impaction. Treatments range from conservative therapies to surgery for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent yet often overlooked condition in the elderly population.
- While more common in women, gender differences in FI prevalence diminish with advancing age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies for fecal incontinence in older adults.
Main Methods:
- This abstract summarizes existing knowledge on fecal incontinence in older adults, drawing from clinical observations and literature.
- No specific new methodologies were introduced; it is a review of the current understanding.
Main Results:
- Key risk factors for fecal incontinence in this demographic include dementia, physical disability, and fecal impaction.
- Treatment approaches are stratified based on incontinence severity, with conservative measures for mild cases and surgical interventions considered for select individuals.
Conclusions:
- Fecal incontinence represents a significant challenge in geriatric care, necessitating awareness and tailored management.
- A spectrum of treatment options, from conservative to surgical, should be considered for older adults experiencing fecal incontinence.
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