Study links urinary symptoms to falls

New research suggests that lower urinary tract symptoms could be linked to greater risk of falls in elderly men.

Findings presented at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association revealed that older men with lower urinary tract symptoms have a greater likelihood of falling, with the risk increasing as symptoms progress.

According to the study, men aged 65 and older with moderate urinary symptoms had a 21 per cent increased risk of falling at least twice in one year, while those displaying severe symptoms were 63 per cent more likely to fall.

Injuries caused by a fall in older patients often result in long-term nursing care.

In response to the results, the association proposes that the diagnosis and awareness of urinary symptoms as a risk factor could help prevent unnecessary falls in elderly men.

The report stated that symptoms most strongly associated with falling included urinary urgency, the need to push or strain to initiate urination, nocturia and urinary frequency.