Overactive bladder and dementia risk with anticholinergics with Dr Kerac Falk

The Pelvic Health Podcast

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a very common condition involving urinary urgency, with or without incontinence, plus frequency and nocturia. In this episode, urogynaecologist Dr. Kerac Falk joins me to discuss general information on overactive bladder (OAB) with a focus on the medical treatment options - particularly involving recent research he has worked on as part of a team regarding very common anticholinergic medication for OAB and evidence of potential dementia risk.

Dr. Kerac Falk is a urogynecologist (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon), and recently accepted an Assistant Professor of Urogynecology position at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. He has been involved in researching recurrent UTIs, biofilm, fluid dynamics and our focus for today’s episode was based on his research as part of a founding member of the "Fellows OAB Taskforce for Treatment accessibility” advocacy group.

Dr. Falk will be starting to see patients at his new practice in August 2021. You can find him through his new website (keracfalkmd.com) and a professional Instagram (@keracfalkMD) and Twitter (@KeracFalkMD).

Recent OAB publications include:

• Menhaji K, Cardenas-Trowers OO, Chang OH, Hall EF, Ringel NE, Falk K. Anticholinergic Prescribing Pattern Changes of Urogynecology Providers in Response to Evidence of Potential Dementia Risk. Int. Urogynecol.J. Accepted for publication 1/2021, available online 3/2021, pending print.
• Escobar C, Falk K, Mehta S, et al. Rethinking Second-Line Therapy for Overactive Bladder to Improve Patient Access to Treatment. Obstet. Gynecol. 2021 Mar;137:1-8.
• Johnson TM, Goode PS, Hammontree L, Markland AD, Vaughan CP, Ouslander JG, Falk K, McGwin G, Burgio KL. An Exploratory Analysis of Tamsulosin for Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Men With Varying Voiding Symptom Burden. Urology. 2021 Jan 20:S0090-4295(21)00085-6.
• Bennett AT, Ringel NE, Menhaji K, Brown OE, Hall EF, Cardenas-Trowers OO, Falk K, Jeney SES, Barnes H, Escobar C, Tellechea LM, Sappenfield EC, Mehta S, Chang OH. "First, Do No Harm"-Trainees' Observation of Risk Reduction in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2021 Jan 1;27(1):2-4.

Enjoy and thanks again to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode!