A urinary tract infection – also known as a “UTI” – is a painful condition in a person that is healthy. If the sufferer of the infection has been diagnosed with dementia, it can result in a highly concerning issue.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI occurs when an infection – typically caused by bacteria – makes its way into the urinary tract through the means of the urethra. This is the tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder in the body to the outside of the body.
This bacterium has the capability of moving up through the urinary tract. It may result in an infection of the bladder. If permitted to continue its movement through the system, it could also infect the kidneys.
Women are at a higher risk of a urinary tract infection than men. However, anyone may develop this type of infection.
What Happens When Someone with Dementia Gets a UTI?
The physical symptoms include a burning feeling when attempting to urinate, a high level of urgency in feeling the need to urinate, and urine that appears to be cloudy, exceptionally dark, or even bloody.
Additionally, fatigue, fever, chills, and shakiness may be experienced. The issue comes in when a dementia patient is unable to express how they feel because of the fact that they cannot find the right words.
This causes the dementia patient to have behavioral symptoms – on top of their physical symptoms. It is very common for dementia sufferers to become increasingly confused, agitated, and develop delirium. Dementia patients may also display signs of aggression and may start to withdraw.
Many patients may experience a high level of restlessness, hallucinations, may start to suffer from incontinence, and their urine may develop a strong odor. The behavior changes occur very quickly.
Finally, a UTI may detrimentally impact the appetite, the balance, and may even result in a fall. If you pick up on any severe changes that occur in a short period of time, seek medical assistance immediately.
If the UTI is not treated quickly, it could spread to the kidneys and even to the bloodstream. This could quickly become life-threatening.
Dementia Assistance
If you are the caregiver for an individual with dementia, you should know that there are many tools and resources to assist both you and the person you care for. We here at Beacon Senior Advisors can share information with you that may help you both.
This includes information on assisted living facilities for those with dementia, medical assistance programs, social service programs, and more. If you would like to learn more, contact us today by calling: 973-713-0096 or visit us at www.BeaconSeniorAdvisors.com