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   The Connection Between UTIs and Dementia   
   April 3, 2014   
   Dementia   
   Jennifer Wegerer   
   47 Comments   
      
      
   In older people with dementia, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause   
   sudden behavior changes rather than the common physical symptoms. Knowing the   
   signs of UTIs in older people can help your loved one get treated early,   
   before the infection leads to    
   serious health problems.   
   The Connection Between UTIs and Dementia   
   What Are UTIs?   
   A urinary tract infection happens when germs get into the urethra and travel   
   up into the bladder and kidneys. According to the U.S. Department of Health   
   and Human Services, nearly four times as many women get UTIs as men. Among the   
   reasons, women have    
   shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.   
   Having diabetes, kidney problems or a weakened immune system also puts people   
   at risk for UTIs. And women who have gone through menopause face a higher risk   
   because they lack estrogen, which helps defend against the growth of bacteria   
   in the urethra.   
   Physicians typically diagnose a UTI through one of these methods:   
   Urine test   
   Ultrasound exam   
   X-rays   
   CAT scan   
   Antibiotics are the standard course of treatment for a urinary tract   
   infection. If symptoms persist, a specialist may perform additional tests to   
   determine the underlying cause.   
   How UTIs Affect People With Dementia   
   When younger people get a urinary tract infection, they will experience   
   distinct physical symptoms. Most commonly, painful urination, an increased   
   need to urinate, lower abdominal pain, back pain on one side, fever and chills.   
   But those same symptoms may not be present for an older adult. Because our   
   immune system changes as we get older, it responds differently to the   
   infection. Instead of pain symptoms, seniors with a UTI may show increased   
   signs of confusion, agitation or    
   withdrawal.   
   For older adults who have dementia, these behavioral changes may come across   
   as part of that condition or signs of advanced aging. If the underlying UTI   
   goes unrecognized and untreated for too long, it can spread to the bloodstream   
   and become life-   
   threatening.   
   Are UTIs a Sign of Dementia?   
   Urinary tract infections can exacerbate dementia symptoms, but a UTI does not   
   necessarily signal dementia or Alzheimer’s.   
   As the Alzheimer’s Society explains, UTIs can cause distressing behavior   
   changes for a person with Alzheimer’s. These changes, referred to as   
   delirium, can develop in as little as one to two days. Symptoms of delirium   
   can range from agitation and    
   restlessness to hallucinations or delusions.   
   Further, UTIs can speed up the progression of dementia, making it crucial for   
   caregivers to understand how to recognize and limit risks for UTIs in seniors.   
   How to Prevent UTIs in Seniors With Dementia   
   To help your senior loved one minimize risks for a urinary tract infection,   
   follow these precautions:   
   Monitor fluid intake, encouraging the senior to have six to eight glasses of   
   water a day   
   Prompt the senior to use the bathroom several times a day, approximately every   
   two to three hours   
   Ensure that the senior maintains good hygiene, including daily showers   
   Most importantly, notice behavior changes. Sudden falls, confusion or an onset   
   of incontinence may warn of a possible UTI. Contact your loved one’s   
   physician for guidance or a check-up.   
   Has your senior loved one experienced a UTI? What effects did this have on his   
   or her dementia? Please share your comments below.   
   Related Articles:    
   Elderly Urinary Tract Infections   
   The Unlikely Link Between UTIs and Dementia   
   Top 5 Most Common Infections in the Elderly   
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   About The Author   
      
   Profile photo of Jennifer Wegerer   
   Jennifer Wegerer   
      
   Jennifer Wegerer is a writer and editor living in the Pacific Northwest.   
   Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer graduated from the University of   
   Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in English and later earned a   
   Certificate in Project Management    
   from Portland State University. She's worked as a writer in the technical   
   communications and marketing fields for over 15 years, taking a short break   
   along the way to have twins. Along with writing, she enjoys movies, yoga,   
   beach trips, wine tasting, and    
   the chance to relax with friends and family.   
      
      
      
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