Brain and Bladder Study – Females Aged 65 and Up

STUDY BASICS

Are you female and aged 65 or older? Do you experience “overactive bladder” and urinary urge incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage)? You may be able to be in a research study to help better understand the relationship between the brain and the bladder. Compensation and transportation/parking fees provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine. One common type is called urge incontinence, which causes a need to urinate that is so sudden and strong that you can’t reach the bathroom in time. Although the cause is unknown, faulty connections between the brain and the bladder may play a role.  This research study will examine that connection. 

 

Researchers hope their findings will lead to better treatments for women with urinary incontinence in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Women age 65 and up
• Experience ‘overactive bladder’ or urinary urge incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate that results in urine leakage) at least 5 times per week
• 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.