**9. Medical treatment of the urinary incontinence in the frail elderly**

In order to decide treatment scheme, we should establish a comprehensive individualized plan of treatment, based on: the patient's characteristics (comorbidity and level of disability); the type of incontinence (urgency, at cough, mixed, overflow); the impact of incontinence; the patient's preferences and level of co-operation; the need of help by others; and also true chances of adherence to treatment (Schröder et al, 2009; Abrams et al; 2010).

It is very important to underline that the main objectives of our intervention should be: firstly, to improve the QOL; secondly, the reduction of the severity / number of leakages; and finally, if possible, the recovery of continence. In fact, the individual scheme of treatment has to be very realistic and adapted to the characteristics of each frail patient, looking more for quality of life instead of the cure of medical problem. Unfortunately, in some patients with immobility or severe dementia, the only alternative could be the use of palliative aids and general care.
