Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, resulting in leakage of urine. It can be a non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). In some cases incontinence can be resolved, or it can be managed in various ways to fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. Here are some resources to understand incontinence and how to cope with it.
Downloadable Documents (PDF)
Continence in MSA
Published by MSA Trust, July 2017
This 6-page fact sheet (PDF) addresses bladder dysfunction specifically in Multiple System Atrophe, but the symptoms, investigation to find the appropriate treatment, advice, and treatment options are similar enough to those of Parkinson’s disease, as to be useful here.
Qué debe saber sobre los síntomas de la vejiga en la enfermedad de Parkinson
By the American Parkinson Disease Association, January 2024
Esta hoja informativa de 2 páginas resume cómo funciona la vejiga, el efecto de la DP en la función de la vejiga, la evaluación de la disfunción y las opciones de tratamiento.
Understanding Bladder Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease – What You Need to Know
By the American Parkinson Disease Association, January 2024
This two-page fact sheet summarizes how the bladder works, types of bladder dysfunction, evaluation of urinary problems, and treatment options.
Urinary Dysfunction and Parkinson’s
Published by the Parkinson’s Foundation, 2018
This one-page fact sheet (PDF) explains that urinary dysfunction is one of several non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that are the result of Parkinson’s impairing proper function of the autonomic nervous system, especially in later stages of the disease process. Several types of urinary dysfunction and treatment options are outlined.
Online Articles
Bowel Incontinence: Another Embarrassing Casualty of PD
By Maria De León, MD. Published by defeatparkinsons.com, May 28, 2015
Fecal Incontinence is where you lose control of your bowels. This blog post explains the primary cause of this in Parkinson’s disease. Problems reaching the toilet in time because of mobility, abdominal bloating or cramping compound the problem. Dr. De León has included a check list of things to help minimize occurrences and embarrassment, even to the point of surgery, if necessary.
Treatment for over active bladder in Parkinson’s (revisited)
By Maria De León, MD. Published by defeatparkinsons.com, October 5, 2014
Overactive bladder (OAB) affects up to 27% of men and 43% of women of the global population. Now, add a neurological condition and the problem becomes more challenging. First, there is a list of medications which make the problem worse, so should be avoided. Then, a thorough evaluation and physical exam. Treatment depends on the cause, but evaluating all medications and an adjustment of dopamine medication is often necessary. If you are still having problems, five further treatment options are included.
Podcasts & Webinars
Evaluating and Treating Urinary Issues in Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and the Other Atypical Parkinsonism Disorders
By the Stanford Movement Disorder Center and Brain Support Network, August 23, 2019
In this hour-long webinar, neuro-urologist Ekene Enemchukwu, MD focuses on urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary retention, and other urinary issues in PD, MSA, and the atypical parkinsonism disorders. Following the presentation, moderator Candy Welch, Brain Support Network’s MSA caregiver support group leader, asks Dr. Enemchukwu many questions submitted by webinar participants.
Webinar notes on the Brain Support Network Blog
Parkinson's Disease and the Bladder
By Michigan Parkinson's, October 13, 2023
In this 53-minute symposium talk Anne P. Cameron, MD describes the anatomy of the lower urinary tract, causes of abnormal urination and the impact of Parkinson Disease. Several interventions available for managing bladder problems and incontinence are discussed.
Parkinson's Disease and Voiding Dysfunction
By Parkinson Canada, December 11, 2018
In this 54-minute webinar, urologist Dr. Sidney Radomski explains how voiding function is affected by Parkinson’s disease in both men and women. He discusses how an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) contributes to voiding problems and management options of voiding dysfunction for those with Parkinson’s disease and MSA.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
By the Massachusetts Chapter of the APDA, April 2022
In this 50-minute webinar urologist Linda Ng, MD, explains how the urinary system works, the effect of incontinence on quality of life, how Parkinson's disease causes voiding dysfunction, specific tests to determine the exact cause of the dysfunction, and potential behavioral, medical, and surgical solutions.
Urinary Dysfunction in Parkinson’s
By PMD Alliance, June 1, 2020
Dr. Jalesh Panicker specializes in urinary issues in people with neurologic disorders. In this one-hour webinar he discusses the urinary problems that can arise in PD, including urgency, frequency, and nighttime urination, touching on why these issues occur in PD and what can be done about them.
Webinar notes on the Stanford PD Community Blog
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
By the American Parkinson Disease Association, August 23, 2023
In this 57-minute episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts, Rebecca Gilbert, MD speaks with a urologist with expertise in the urological disorders of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) who offers tips to help improve urologic issues related to PD and reduce the stress, worry, and discomfort these symptoms can bring.
Blog post of questions answered during the webinar
Last updated April 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.
