• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Longevity / Healthy Aging / An Overactive Bladder Increases the Risk of Dangerous Falls

An Overactive Bladder Increases the Risk of Dangerous Falls

overactive bladder

An overactive bladder isn’t just a nuisance and a source of embarrassment. For the elderly, it can also trigger a potentially fatal fall, a Canadian study says. An overactive bladder is the inability to control the release of urine from your bladder. Studies show that Blacks experience incontinence than whites, but at a higher severity. 

“Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in seniors, and many people don’t know that having bladder control problems makes you about twice as likely to fall over,” study lead author William Gibson, an assistant professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Alberta says.

“There’s not previously been a lot of evidence that treating people’s incontinence reduces their risk of falling. So this is a jumping-off point, because now we’ve demonstrated that the sensation of urgency is a source of distraction,” Gibson adds.

RELATED: Uncommon (But Effective) Ways To Battle Overactive Bladder Problems

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

What the study shows

The study included nearly 30 older adults with overactive bladder. Their gait was monitored as they walked the length of the lab and back three different times: under normal conditions; while doing a simple mental test meant to distract them; and after drinking enough fluids to make them have the urge to pee.

The need to urinate caused gait changes similar to those seen when doing the distracting mental task: The gait tended to become slower and narrower, which is associated with an increased risk of falling, the researchers say.

“This is pretty good evidence that people with incontinence are being distracted by their bladders, which means that they’re less able to concentrate on walking,” Gibson shares.

“Being balanced and walking require some cognitive inputs, and for young, healthy people, they don’t have to think about walking,” he explains. “But when you’re older, with changes to the brain, it requires more cognitive input to maintain balance. If you’ve then got a distracting factor of your bladder, it makes you more likely to fall.”

You May Also Like
Bacon and other meats May Increase Your Risk for This Lung Disease

Incontinence is a common issue in older adults, but it’s not talked about much, even between doctors and patients, Gibson says.

Continue Reading

The Latest In Healthy Aging

skincare

The Real Issue With Your Skincare Regimen

Have you ever eaten chocolate and experienced a pimple breakout? What about consuming soda, your favorite cake, candy, or donut? Then suddenly bumps appear all over your face! Ugh, it’s the worst. When situations like this happen, you’re forced to read more about The Real Issue With Your Skincare Regimen
ageism

Ageism Is Everywhere and Can Harm Your Health

In a cancel culture where there's zero tolerance for prejudice, at least one form of discrimination appears to be alive and well: ageism. Whether you have personally experienced someone discounting you because of your age or you've felt the pressures read more about Ageism Is Everywhere and Can Harm Your Health
types of doctors

5 Types Of Doctors You Should See Once A Year

Visits to the doctor's office can be a drain. For some, scheduling an appointment and actually showing up to said appointment can cause a bunch of anxiety due to fear and worry. The possibility that something may be wrong is read more about 5 Types Of Doctors You Should See Once A Year
dementia

The 3 Midlife Factors That Raise Your Odds for Alzheimer’s

Certain lifestyle factors can sway the risk of dementia, and a new study points to the top threats to Americans these days: obesity, physical inactivity and lack of a high school diploma. Researchers found that in just the past decade, read more about The 3 Midlife Factors That Raise Your Odds for Alzheimer’s
best sunscreens for Black skin

Black Folks Need Sunscreen Too: 5 Sunscreens for Your Skin Type

Yes, us Black folks need to wear sunscreen, too. Our skin may come in many shades, but our health is still at risk. Not to mention the sun will damage anyone's skin that is exposed to it. Take it from read more about Black Folks Need Sunscreen Too: 5 Sunscreens for Your Skin Type
antioxidants

Adding These Foods to Your Diet Could Keep Dementia Away

A diet rich in the antioxidants that leafy, green vegetables and colorful fruit deliver is good for your body, and now new research shows it also protects your brain. In the study, people whose blood contained the highest amounts of three key read more about Adding These Foods to Your Diet Could Keep Dementia Away

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!
  • Snoop Dogg & Wife: 26 Years And Still Going StrongSnoop Dogg & Wife: 26 Years And Still Going Strong
  • Halle Berry: Over 50 ‘Just Keeps Getting Better With Time’Halle Berry: Over 50 'Just Keeps Getting Better With Time'
  • LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: “We Celebrate Life”LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: "We Celebrate Life"
  • Queen Latifah Sheds Light on BMI Chart Flaws: “I’m Just Thick”Queen Latifah Sheds Light on BMI Chart Flaws: "I'm Just Thick"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.