When paired with dementia or Alzheimer’s, a UTI is often more than just an infection

 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a type of infection that enters the body through the urethra, and is prevalent among both younger and older individuals. UTIs cause distinct physical symptoms such as painful urination, back pain, and lower abdominal pain. But in older adults, UTIs can often times manifest themselves as behavioral and cognitive ailments.

 

While a UTI does not necessarily signal dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can definitely worsen the symptoms of decreased cognitive function. Seniors with a UTI show increased signs of confusion, withdrawal, and agitation, and worse, a person with memory impairment or dementia can experience much more sudden and severe distress, confusion, and behavioral changes known as ‘delirium’ due to their UTI.

 

Because a person with dementia may have word-finding difficulty and thus be unable to express their discomfort caused by a UTI, and because UTI-induced behavior changes can be mistaken as a part of dementia and the aging process, the presence of an infection could be hard to identify. This can become very dangerous, as an underlying UTI can eventually spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening if left untreated. It is important for caregivers to be familiar with the symptoms of a UTI and to seek proper medical help for their loved one. The following are some symptoms of a UTI in dementia to help you identify a potential infection in your loved one:

  • Increased falls
  • Changes in behavior (e.g. increased aggression, agitation, or anger)
  • Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
  • Delirium (severe confusion, disorientation, in some cases hallucinations)
  • Burning feelings while urinating and increased need to urinate
  • Urine with a foul odor, blood, mucous, or cloudy appearance
  • Pain in lower abdomen, side, or back

 

As far as treatment goes, a UTI normally passes quickly if treated with antibiotics. It is important to check with a physician to make sure that the correct antibiotics are prescribed to combat the infection, as well as the right amount to prevent antibiotic overuse.

 

The final point we would like to deliver is that the best way to cure a UTI problem is to prevent it before it even happens! Here are a few simple precautions you can take as a caregiver:

  • Help them stay hydrated: monitor the fluid intake of the person with Alzheimer’s, and encourage them to have 6-8 glasses of water a day. It is crucial to make sure a senior has a proper fluid intake, especially during the summer when one can dehydrate easily.
  • Monitor their restroom use: a senior should not wait to urinate, as holding it can increase the risk of a UTI. Prompt them to use the bathroom several times a day, ideally every 3 hours.
  • Avoid overly tight clothing: clothing that is too tight, or nylon fabrics as opposed to cotton can trap moisture from escaping. Have your senior dress in clothing that can breathe.
  • Maintain good hygiene: a person with dementia often needs extra assistance with maintaining proper hygiene when cleaning themselves after bathroom use and showering. Daily showers or thorough wipe downs are important for keeping clean.

 

We hope this information will be helpful for you going into the future. If you have further questions or concerns, you can always contact the Alzheimer’s Orange County Helpline at 844-HELP-ALZ (844-435-7259), or view our other services and programs at  https://www.alzoc.org/services.