Midlife urinary incontinence in women linked with weight gain, not menopause
In a recent large-scale study, the worsening of symptoms of incontinence among women aged 45 to 55 is attributable to weight gain, not menopause. The researchers found that for each pound of weight gain, the odds of worsening incontinence was increased. Also the odds of improving incontinence was reduced with each pound of weight gain. Obstet and Gynecology, March 2008

Cranberry products reduced the annual incidence of UTIs by 39% in women with a history of recurrence
A recent review of several studies found that cranberries demonstrated clear-cut infection-fighting abilities in certain women. Cranberry products, usually juice, have been used for years as a nonprescription approach to prevention of urinary tract infections. Most studies using cranberry juice, however, had high dropout rates probably because drinking considerable amounts of cranberry juice over a long period can be very difficult. Instead of juice, health care providers often recommend daily intake of cranberry tablets in women who are suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections. In some women this has been helpful, in others it is not.

No specific mechanism of action has been identified to explain cranberries' potential to prevent UTIs. The most common explanation is that cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the inner lining of the bladder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008, Issue 1, January 2008

Ditropan XL linked with significant memory deterioration
Recent data from a clinical study (2006) looking at the effects of two prescription medications (Enablex and Ditropan) used to treat overactive bladder showed that treatment with Enablex did not result in impaired memory function in healthy adults age 60 and older. In contrast, treatment with Ditropan XL®(i) (oxybutynin extended-release or ER) caused significant memory deterioration. Furthermore, the individuals receiving Ditropan XL failed to notice the change in their memory function. These clinical findings were presented during the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. May 2006

Incontinence: A common problem in the elderly, but not a normal part of the aging process...Incontinence, or involuntary urine leakage, affects 17 million Americans and occurs twice as often in women as in men.  Although incontinence occurs more often in older people than in younger adults, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process.  Changes with age do occur increasing the potential for problems, but usually with treatment the symptoms can be controlled or cured.  The key is to ask your doctor or health care provider for help. Take the bladder assessment tool to see if you should seek further medical evaluation.