Urinary incontinence is uncontrollable escape of urine. The term functional incontinence is used when the incontinence is due primarily to underlying health problems rather than a mechanical problem within the urinary system. Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing problem for as many as one in three Americans age 60 or older.
Functional incontinence can be temporary but is often permanent.
Functional incontinence in older people is often the result of disease conditions that affect the brain, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or injury. It is particularly common in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It can also occur with mental impairment. There may be psychological causes too, such as severe depression. Functional incontinence may be caused by medical conditions that increase output of urine, such as chronic heart failure and diabetes.