![]() ![]() The infection could spread even further to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which can be fatal. When that happens, patients often experience a fever and severe pain. The infection can also spread to the upper urinary tract and cause serious kidney damage. When left untreated, UTIs can lead to chronic incontinence. Urinary tract infections sometimes resolve on their own, but they can easily worsen due to a senior’s compromised immune function. The Cleveland Clinic points out that confusion alone does not necessarily indicate the presence of a UTI, but medical attention is still necessary because it could indicate other new or worsening health issues. Keep in mind that it can be difficult to notice UTI mental symptoms in seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and individuals with existing mental health issues. Changing levels of consciousness (difficulty waking a senior is considered a medical emergency).However, they may not all be present, and they may fluctuate over time. The following symptoms of delirium are commonly seen in older adults with UTIs. Library of Medicine defines delirium as a mental state in which a person is confused, disoriented and unable to think or remember clearly. The main effect of a UTI on a senior’s mental health is delirium. Complaints of discomfort while urinating.The need to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently.Smith suggests being on the lookout for the following classic and more unusual UTI symptoms. Functional limitations can make it difficult for a senior to manage incontinence care and keep themselves clean, especially after toileting.įamily caregivers play an important role in recognizing new health issues in their loved ones. This can occur due to cognitive decline or physical limitations caused by conditions like arthritis, COPD or a stroke. ![]() In younger people, urinary tract infections are sometimes related to frequent sexual activity, but in older folks, changes in personal hygiene are often a factor. Although, in dementia patients, the lower baseline for clear thinking and effective communication is likely a contributing factor. The medical community isn’t sure why UTIs cause confusion in older people. Smith, a UTI is the most common cause of a sudden increase in confusion in dementia patients. They can also experience delusions (false beliefs) and become paranoid.”Īccording to Dr. “Sometimes they can hallucinate or see things that aren’t there, like bugs crawling on the ceiling. “Older people can get markedly confused, agitated or sleepy,” explains Dr. Instead, seniors may suffer from unexplained incontinence, fatigue, or sudden changes their behavior and mental status. However, these symptoms are often missing in older adults or they are unable to articulate them. Sometimes a small amount of blood in the urine is even visible. For most people, key symptoms of a UTI include the need to urinate frequently and/or urgently, a burning sensation while urinating, and urine with an unusual color or odor. What Is a UTI?Ī UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, most commonly the bladder. In fact, the signs of infection in older people are often largely behavioral, which can be very puzzling for family caregivers. “It never occurred to my sister and me that the symptoms could be due to a UTI.”Īccording to Amanda Smith, MD, medical director and director of clinical research at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida, older adults often present different, even unusual, UTI symptoms. “It took us a while-several months actually-to determine that when our Mom got into these states, it wasn’t just the depression,” recalls Altman. ![]()
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