Brain and Bladder Study – Females Without Urinary Incontinence Aged 65 and Up

STUDY BASICS

Are you female, aged 65 or older, and do not experience any urge urinary incontinence (the accidental release of urine because you can’t get to the bathroom in time)? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand the relationship between the brain and bladder. Women who have leakage with cough or sneeze may be eligible. Compensation and transportation/parking fees provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Urge urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine when you can’t make it to the bathroom in time. Although the cause of urge incontinence is unknown, some research suggests that faulty connections between the brain and the bladder may play a role.  

 

The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationship between the brain and the bladder in people who do and do not experience urgency urinary incontinence. Researchers hope their findings lead to better treatments for women with urinary incontinence in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Women aged 65 and up
• Do not experience any urinary urgency or incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage)
• Willing and able to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves two in-person visits. During the first visit, participants will answer questions. During the second visit, participants will have an MRI scan while their bladder is filled by a catheter. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.