Urinary tract infections are prevalent among seniors, especially seniors with Alzheimer’s. Seniors with Alzheimer’s who have urinary incontinence or aren’t able to recognize when they need to urinate often get UTIs. However, seniors with Alzheimer’s may not be able to tell their caregivers or family members that they are experiencing symptoms of a UTI. It’s up to dementia home care providers or family members to figure out that something is wrong. And with very few clues, it could be a long time before anyone notices the symptoms of a UTI.
Family members or dementia home care providers that take care of seniors need to keep a sharp eye out for these symptoms that a senior with Alzheimer’s could have a UTI:
Changes in Behavior
Sudden changes in behavior are a sure sign of a UTI or other urgent medical condition in a senior with Alzheimer’s. Seniors who have a UTI but can’t express pain or let a caregiver know something is wrong may become depressed, aggressive, belligerent, or angry. Agitation and irritability are common in seniors with Alzheimer’s who have a UTI. They may know they don’t feel right but are also unable to say what’s wrong.
Confusion And Disorientation
UTIs can make existing cognitive symptoms worse for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Seniors may become more disoriented, forgetful, or have trouble concentrating. If you notice a significant decline in your senior parent’s cognitive function that happens quickly you should get them tested for a UTI before taking other actions like changing their medication.
Changes in Mobility
If your senior parent is suddenly having trouble walking, walking with a different gait, or acting like it’s painful to walk that could be due to a UTI.
Increased Agitation During Toileting Or Avoiding Going To The Bathroom
Pain or discomfort during urination is a common symptom of a UTI. If your senior parent can’t tell you that they’re experiencing pain or discomfort they may become aggressive when you suggest going to the bathroom or want to change their briefs or they may avoid going to the bathroom all the time.
Urinary Incontinence
UTIs can cause seniors to experience changes in urinary habits. This may include an increase in frequency, urgency, or incidents of urinary incontinence. They also may have changes in their urine color, cloudy urine, or increased odor associated with their urine.
Fever
Not all seniors who get a UTI will develop a fever. But, if your senior parent develops a fever and is having other symptoms associated with a UTI it’s a good idea to get them tested for a UTI.
Pain or Discomfort in the Lower Abdomen
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may not be able to communicate pain effectively. If you notice signs of discomfort, tenderness, or guarding in the lower abdomen, it could indicate a UTI.
Loss of Appetite or Dehydration
UTIs can contribute to a decreased appetite or increased fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Keep an eye out for signs of reduced food intake or inadequate fluid consumption, as these can be associated with urinary tract infections.
Sources: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/urinary-tract-infections-utis-dementia
https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/october_2011/sudden_change_in_behavior_urinary_tract_infection
If you or an aging loved one is considering Dementia Home Care Services in Lakewood NJ please get in touch with the caring staff at Expert Home Care today at (732) 937-5320.
We have been providing Home Health Care to New Jersey families since 1985, and have grown to become one of the largest licensed providers of Live-In Home Care in the upper New Jersey area. Our many years of New Jersey home care experience has produced a company that over 8,000 clients have come to rely on confidently, for help.
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