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For Immediate Release
May 4, 2006

For more information:
Erin Weller
(212) 308-1414 x 329

Chicago, IL -- Very elderly African-American women who have urinary incontinence respond as well to treatment for this relatively common health problem as do younger women, according to a study reported today at the American Geriatrics Society's 2006 annual scientific meeting.

The study -- the first describing urinary incontinence and its treatment in older African-American women -- followed 66 women, with a median age of 80. All had been diagnosed with urinary incontinence, or unintentional loss of urine, and many also had other health problems and disabilities, including cognitive decline. Roughly 80% were African-American.

Treated with behavior therapy, medication or both, more than 60% of the women were either cured or saw significant improvement. All told, the older women in the study responded as well as younger women getting similar treatment in other studies.

"These outcomes were possible despite very advanced age and a high prevalence of functional and cognitive impairment and comorbid disease," notes lead researcher Catherine DuBeau, MD, of the University of Chicago, adding that most research investigating the treatment of urinary incontinence has excluded very old adults with multiple heath problems.

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The society supports this mission through activities in: clinical practice; professional education on the clinical care of older people; research; public education and information; public policy efforts; and through collaborative relationships with other organizations. For more information about AGS programs and initiatives, visit the AGS Web site at www.americangeriatrics.org.