10 Stroke and other causes of impaired mobility also contribute to constipation risk. 9 Parkinson’s disease slows gut transit time and contributes to constipation risk. Dementia can impair mobility and diminish voiding awareness and inhibitory control. 8 Major cognitive and neurological diseases that are common in older age can contribute to faecal incontinence. 7Īetiology of faecal incontinence in older adults in RACįaecal incontinence can occur with alterations to stool consistency or delivery, diminished rectal compliance, altered anorectal sensation or abnormal sphincter function. Even in ideal circumstances, invasive interventions have only been moderately successful. Invasive management options may not be suitable and are poorly researched in this patient group, who are likely to have coexisting pathologies that lower the odds of a successful outcome. Discussion of invasive management strategies is outside the scope of this article. The objective of this article is to describe the suggested initial investigation and management of faecal incontinence in older adults residing in RAC. 6ĭespite the significantly higher prevalence of faecal incontinence in RAC, limited research has been conducted into effective interventions that are specific to this environment. 2 North American studies have found a similar prevalence of up to 50% in RAC. 5 Limited Australian and New Zealand prevalence data indicate a general rate of 12–13% in older adults and up to 50% in residential aged care (RAC). 4 Severe faecal incontinence is also an independent predictor of mortality. Faecal incontinence can be a marker of increased frailty 3 and remains persistently underdiagnosed. ![]() ![]() The most common frequency measure was ‘leakage of liquid and/or solid stool at least once per month over the past 12 months’. 1 However, a recent review 2 identified significant heterogeneity in the definitions commonly used in the literature to define and measure significant faecal incontinence. The International Continence Society defines faecal incontinence as ‘the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool that is a social or hygienic problem’.
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