Quality of life in geriatric patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction

Lower urinary tract dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence, detrusor instability, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, are prevalent in older adults. These conditions, which can occur alone or in combination, result in irritative or obstructive symptoms that can interfere with everyday functioning, leading to negative consequences on health-related quality of life. The nature and severity of these symptoms and the perception of their impact on daily activities can be quite variable. Until recently, relatively little was known about the effect of lower urinary tract dysfunctions on general health status and quality of life. An increasing research base is now available that shows the impact of different urologic dysfunctions in clinical and general populations. This article will provide a brief background on the definition and measurement of health-related quality of life and will summarize the literature about the quality of life of community-dwelling elderly patients with urinary incontinence or prostate conditions. Implications to guide clinical practice and future research will be derived.