How Are UTIs and Dementia Related In Senior Adults?
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are pretty common for seniors. The common symptoms of the infection are a lower back pain, abdominal pain and painful urination accompanied by fever and chills. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of UTIs among the senior folks who have already undergone physical and mental degeneration often remain unnoticed. A weakened immune system and endocrine system can lead them to develop symptoms like increased agitation and confusion or disorientation instead of the easily recognizable signs of a UTI.
Dementia and UTIs are interrelated, as each affects the other. Also, the symptoms of UTIs are often ignored or misidentified for prolonged periods of time by patients suffering from dementia, which ultimately worsens the condition. It is rather vital to take note of the signs and symptoms in older folks suffering from dementia or other mental disorders. UTIs, if neglected, can be fraught with grave risks. Therefore, an early detection of the infection will help patients in dementia care in Oklahoma City.
How UTIs Get Started
Germs can easily get into the urinary system and then affect the bladder and kidneys. Health experts say that UTIs are more common in women than in men. This is because women have a shorter urethra, and while going through menopause, their body develops a deficiency of estrogen, which at normal levels builds up a natural defense against germs that cause UTIs.
Patients suffering from diabetes, kidney problems and weaker immunity often fall prey to these infections. Since it is not easily detectable in seniors, health care experts prescribe ultrasound exams, CAT scans and x-rays to diagnose the problem. A proper antibiotic treatment can help the aged patient recover fully.
Behavioral Problems
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be worsened by a UTI, especially in senior folks. Often, the symptoms go unnoticed, allowing the patient to continue suffering for a long time. A UTI increases restlessness and anxiety and triggers mood swings, which surely make things worse for the patient. The patient may experience hallucinations and repeated delusional behavior.
An early diagnosis of a UTI can be quite helpful in treating the patient. Regular health check-ups and follow-ups as part of holistic dementia care in Oklahoma City can reveal symptoms related to UTIs and help in timely prevention and cure.
How to Prevent UTIs In Patients Suffering From Dementia
UTIs are completely curable, and there are a lot of preventive measures that can be taken to keep them away. Patients suffering from dementia often drink less water than they should. That is why seniors should be encouraged to drink about eight glasses of water daily, which will help flush out toxins from their bodies. In addition, elderly people should be encouraged to follow regular health and hygiene routines so that chances of infection can be minimized.