Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common non-motor symptom in later stages of Parkinson's Disease (PD). It can be an early symptom in an atypical parkinsonism condition called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Issues include urgency, frequency, and nighttime urination. There are many management methods to this sometimes embarrassing symptom. Here are some resources to understand incontinence and how to cope with it.
Short Overviews
Understanding Bladder Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease – What You Need to Know
By 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 Parkinson’s Foundation, 2018
This one-page fact sheet explains that urinary dysfunction is 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.
Treatment for over active bladder in Parkinson’s (revisited)
By Maria De León, MD. Published by defeatparkinsons.com, October 5, 2014
Overactive bladder (OAB) is common in Parkinson’s and can be worsened by some medications. Dr. De León reviews drugs that may aggravate symptoms and stresses the importance of a full medical evaluation. Treatment may include adjusting Parkinson’s medications and considering additional options such as pelvic therapy, bladder training, or medication to control urgency and frequency.
Talks by Specialists
Evaluating and Treating Urinary Issues in Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and the Other Atypical Parkinsonism Disorders
By the Stanford Movement Disorders 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 questions submitted by attendees.
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.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
By APDA Massachusetts, April 19, 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
In this one-hour webinar, urologist Dr. Jalesh Panicker discusses the urinary problems that can arise in PD, including urgency, frequency, and nighttime urination. He touches on why these issues occur in PD and what can be done about them.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
By American Parkinson Disease Association, August 23, 2023
Urologist Dr. Victor Nitti offered a short presentation on the problems of urinary function that many with PD experience. During most of the hour-long webinar, Dr. Nitti answered audience questions and offered tips on addressing frequency, urgency, leakage, and incontinence. This was an episode of "Dr. Gilbert Hosts."
Questions answered during the webinar are listed on the APDA webpage about the episode.
Bladder Issues in MSA
Continence in MSA
Published by MSA Trust, July 2017
This six-page fact sheet addresses bladder dysfunction specifically in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). 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 for both types of patients.
En español
Qué debe saber sobre los síntomas de la vejiga en la enfermedad de Parkinson
By American Parkinson Disease Association, January 2024
Esta hoja informativa de dos 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.
Last updated November 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.