Urinary incontinence in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a common neurological condition, affecting approximately one in 500 individuals in the UK (Parkinson's Disease Society, 2006). Symptoms are caused by damage to and loss of the dopamine secreting cells in the substantia nigra, within the basal ganglia. Nocturia and urinary incontinence symptoms have been shown to affect 30–70% of patients with Parkinson's disease and may be exacerbated by high dose levodopa treatment (Chaudhuri, 2003). These symptoms may be compounded by bradykinesia and difficulty getting out of bed and mobilising at night, contributing to sleep disruption for patients.