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How Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Affect Older Adults And Those With Dementia
UTIs are common infections in adults, but they're even more prevalent in older adults and those with dementia. The symptoms and complications of UTIs may also differ in this older age group.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection to affect older adults. They can become serious, leading to hospitalization and further health complications, including worsening dementia.
In fact, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 551 out of 100,000 adults ages 65 years and older were hospitalized for UTIs in 2016.
UTIs can lead to serious health concerns, particularly in older adults and people with dementia. Kidney failure is possible, and more severe cases may even be fatal.
Whether you're personally at risk for UTIs or are a loved one or caregiver of an older adult, learning more about the possible signs and symptoms of these infections can help you access potentially lifesaving treatment.
This article takes a closer look at how UTIs affect older adults and those with dementia, as well as what you can do to reduce the risk of UTI development.
UTIs are known to cause symptoms such as pain and burning during urination. You may also feel the need to urinate more often.
But older adults with or without dementia may not experience these typical symptoms of a UTI. As a result, these infections are often called "silent UTIs" in older adults.
These populations may show atypical UTI symptoms such as:
Family members and caregivers may also observe the following signs and symptoms of a UTI in an older adult:
It can be even more challenging to detect a UTI in someone who has dementia. One key clue that something may be "off" is a sudden change in behavior or worsening symptoms of dementia.
UTIs develop when bacteria enter your urethra and then your urinary tract. Sometimes, the infection can also develop in your bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Adults without memory problems may be able to recognize some of the classic symptoms of a UTI. But in those with dementia, differences in brain connections can make it difficult to recognize these symptoms.
Instead, a person with dementia may express the presence of a UTI in other ways, including agitation, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Confusion and withdrawal are also possible.
Age-related difficulties in identifying symptoms and increased issues with hygiene or personal care may be other reasons why UTIs affect older adults differently.
On top of all of this, older adults and those with dementia may not be able to communicate that something is wrong.
Adults in these populations may need to take antibiotics to treat a UTI. But healthcare professionals typically prescribe these medications only in symptomatic cases to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
A doctor may determine that lower doses taken for longer periods of time are more appropriate, especially for recurring UTIs.
With antibiotic treatment, the infection may clear within a few days. But in the case of an upper UTI, antibiotics may be necessary for up to 14 days. Older adults and those with dementia may also need intravenous antibiotics at a hospital.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may be another treatment option if a doctor deems them appropriate.
If an adult with dementia experiences delirium associated with a UTI that doesn't improve, antipsychotics may help treat their symptoms. As with antibiotics, a doctor might prescribe antipsychotics on only a short-term basis.
UTIs are common in older adults and in those with forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. According to a 2022 research review, UTIs are the cause of about 25% of all hospitalizations in older adults.
While the exact statistics vary, a 2020 review noted that studies have estimated the prevalence of UTIs in older adults at anywhere from 5 out of 100 to 12.8 out of 100 cases. Adults over 85 years of age have the greatest risk.
Females of all ages have a higher risk of developing UTIs. About 50% of all females need UTI treatment at least once in their lifetime.
Incontinence is also a common issue in the later stages of Alzheimer's. This may be a UTI symptom or may have another cause, such as medication side effects, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland.
The following strategies may help prevent UTIs in older adults or those with dementia:
UTIs are common in older adults and in those with dementia. Symptoms, such as delirium or changes in behavior, can happen quite suddenly.
If you're a caretaker or family member of an older adult or an adult with dementia, it's important to know the possible symptoms of a UTI.
Prompt treatment is important for reducing complications associated with this infection. If left untreated, a UTI may lead to serious complications such as blood poisoning, kidney failure, or worsening delirium.
Diabetes Induced UTI Symptoms: How High Blood Sugar Levels Leads To Urinary Tract Infection In Women
Diabetes Induced UTI Symptoms: How High Blood Sugar Levels Leads To Urinary Tract Infection In Women Ladies dealing with diabetes often face a sticky situation with high blood sugar levels, and unfortunately, this tends to trigger urinary tract infections (UTIs). Read on to know how diabetes leads to UTI symptoms.Diabetes is a non-reversible health condition that is caused by unmanaged or unregulated blood sugar levels. The condition not only weakens the immune system but also leaves you open to various infections, including UTIs. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), are bacterial invasions happening anywhere down the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra). In today's article, we highlight and understand the unusual link between these two conditions and various home remedies that can come in handy when trying to control sugar levels affecting the body's defense against infections.
Why Do Diabetic Individuals Frequently Encounter UTIs?Here are some of the reasons why a diabetic is more prone to suffer from Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) than others:
Diabetes Can Affect the Immune SystemHigh sugar levels, also known as diabetes, can hamper the function of white blood cells, the body's defense mechanism against infections. This is one of the main reasons why a diabetic patient is more prone to bacterial infections like UTIs.
Foamy UrineA diabetic patient is prone to releasing high amounts of glucose through their urine. This is exactly when the patient catches a bacterial infection, resulting in UTIs.
Impact On NervesDiabetes can affect your nerves which can hamper your bladder's performance. This entire thing can result in the bladder holding on to urine, giving bacteria a conducive environment to multiply and possibly leading to UTIs.
Limited Blood FlowUncontrolled diabetes reduces blood flow to the urinary tract, affecting how the body clears out bacteria. This environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in infections.
Symptoms of UTI Seen In Diabetic PatientsAre you suffering from diabetes and worried about UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)? Here are some of the warning signs you should look out for:
Be on guard for UTI symptoms because left unchecked, they can spiral into more serious problems.
How To Manage UTI Symptoms Induced By Diabetes?Knowing the increased UTI risk for diabetic individuals, it's paramount to act proactively to impede these infections. Some precautionary measures include:
Diabetes makes you more prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), largely due to a weakened immune response and a higher likelihood of catching infections. However, understanding the symptoms of this condition and following the tips mentioned above can help in managing UTI effectively without medication.
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How To Get Rid Of A UTI, The Causes, Symptoms And More
A UTI or Urinary Tract Infection affects your urinary tract as well as your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection).
They're relatively common, especially as we get older, and tend to affect more women than men.
The NHS has broken down what causes the condition, the symptoms to look out for and how to treat a UTI.
The causes of UTIsUTIs are usually caused by bacteria - usually poo - entering the urinary tract.
The health service explained that an infection happens when the bacteria enters through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra).
What causes UTIs in women?Why women tend to have more UTIs than men is because women have a shorter urethra than men.
As a result, bacteria is reportedly more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
The NHS also explained that there are certain things that can increase our risk of getting a UTI including having sex and becoming pregnant.
Our risk also increases when we develop conditions that block the urinary tract like kidney stones as well as conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
For instance, the NHS shares examples of enlarged prostates in men and constipation in children.
A weakened immune system, not drinking enough fluids and not keeping the genital area clean and dry also can cause UTIs.
These are the causes, symptoms and treatments for a UTI. ( (Thinkstock/PA) (Image: Getty Images)
The NHS has shared some key symptoms to check yourself for on its website. They include:
The health experts also pointed out that your pee may also appear dark or smell.
However, it urged that if this is your only symptom, it might be because you've not been drinking enough water.
Do you go to a GP for a UTI?There are some important occasions that the NHS urges people to consult their GP when they think they have a UTI.
For instance, they recommend you visiting a doctor when you're experiencing the symptoms for the first time or it is a child that is displaying the signs.
Other times to consult a doctor include:
"Sometimes a UTI will go away on its own. Most people will need antibiotics," according to the British Heart Foundation.
The charity elaborated that some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic' which means that they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time.
How to treat a UTIThere are multiple ways that you can treat a UTI including by yourself, by consulting a pharmacist and then a GP.
By yourselfThe NHS advises that there are a few things that we can do to ease the symptoms of UTIs by ourselves:
The health service also noted that some people opt to take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening.
The NHS conceded that this may help but added that there's no evidence to say that they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.
From a pharmacistThe experts also encourage people to ask their local pharmacist about treatments for a UTI.
The NHS explained that a pharmacist can offer advice on things that can help you get better as well as suggest the best painkiller to take.
Pharmacists can provide the same treatment as a GP (if they're suitable for you) as well as tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms.
Recommended reading From a GPMeanwhile, if a GP thinks you have a UTI then they will likely get you to do a urine test.
However, the NHS pointed out that this is not always needed.
In addition to this, a GP may also offer self-care advice and recommend taking a painkiller as well as give you a prescription for a short course of antibiotics.
To find out more about how to prevent UTIs and what to do when a UTI is recurring, consult the NHS website.
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