How Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are Connected to Dementia
Written by: Lei Parcilla
Are you worried about your older loved one who is experiencing pain and discomfort when urinating, irritation, mood swings, and other problems? If Yes, chances are your loved one is experiencing a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
UTI’s or urinary track infections are a common type of infection that usually happens in older people, women, and babies. Did you know that at least 20% of women aged 65 and above and 10% of men at the same age range are affected by this bacterial infection?
There are different types of UTI’s and these can be recurrent especially in older people, which means that your older loved one is not alone. These are urethritis or the infection of the urethra; vaginitis or the infection of the vagina; pyelonephritis or the infection of the kidneys; and cystitis or the infection of the bladder. UTI is usually caused by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria but it can also be a result of mycoplasma and chlamydia infection.
Here are the symptoms of each type of UTI:
1) Urethritis
- Abnormal discharge (color, smell, texture and amount)
- Burning sensation when urinating
2) Vaginitis
- Light spotting or bleeding
- Pain when urinating
- Pain when having sex
- Irritation or itching
- Abnormal discharge (color, smell, texture and amount)
3) Pyelonephritis
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Chills and shaking
- High fever
- Pain in the upper back and sides
4) Cystitis
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating frequently and painfully
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Pressure in the pelvic region
Now, since UTI is very common in older people, it is also being experienced by those that have dementia.
Dementia is a set of brain problem symptoms usually caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other brain illnesses. These symptoms include difficulty in speaking and understanding, difficulty in problem solving, difficulty in thinking, loss of memory, and changes in behavior and mood.
Since UTI is an infection that stresses the body, it is even worse when experienced by older people with dementia. UTI can aggravate dementia by causing extreme agitation, erratic behavior, and severe mental confusion or delirium.
Since a person with dementia cannot express or communicate him/herself well, the UTI might not be detected easily. So it is always best to seek professional help in order to detect the symptoms, determine the cause of the UTI, and treat it properly. Most importantly, any infection can worsen dementia and in this case, medical help is truly essential.
Proper care and medical help being provided in assisted living facilities are very important in making the life of dementia patients safe, secure, and more comfortable.
If the following symptoms are detected in a dementia patient, these are most probably caused by UTI:
- Strong urine odor
- Brown or pink colored and cloudy urine
- Leaking or incontinence
- Withdrawal
- Inability to perform routine or usual tasks
- Severe fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Inability to concentrate
- Restlessness
- Agitation
Professionals can diagnose UTI through different procedures such as CAT scan, urinalysis, x-ray, and ultrasound exam. After identifying the type of UTI affecting the dementia patient, proper medication will be advised.
Still, prevention is always better than cure. Your loved one can remain healthy and UTI-free by doing these simple and easy ways to avoid UTI including drinking lots of fluids (especially water), changing adult diapers more often, using vaginal estrogen, avoiding alcohol or coffee, keeping the genital area clean, urinating upon urge, and avoiding douches.
Contact Us today at Optimized Senior Living in Lebanon, Ohio to learn more about our assisted living home and services for you or your loved one.
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Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
