Connect
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) have cognitive risks in older adults
A relative of mine recently had a close call with death. He had been home feeling a little under the weather basically a pain in his back, his grandson called asking for a drive to a basketball game. Fortunate for him he gave him that drive, as he got close to where the boy wanted to go he became disorientated and drove into a snowbank. He didn’t know who he was, where he was etc. An ambulance was called, his temperature taken was 107F, a temperature that would have killed him if he had stayed home and had gone to bed as he planned. UTI was the diagnosis, with limited kidney function. A week in the hospital on antibiotics set him right for the most part. What’s interesting here other than a brush with death, is that “older” people don’t present with an UTI like younger folk, a lesson for us “older” folks.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Conditions Support Group.
Connect
My loved one has alzheimers and just had a UTI. Let me tell you, she became extremely disoriented to time and place. I am an RN, yet never have I seen this astonishing effect a UTI can have on an octogenarian.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAs I said in my previous post we have to be vigilant with our love ones as these infections ie UTI,s can be a common issue with seniors. Hydration is very important as well as early intervention, it was an eye opener for us.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsMy mother in law would get UTI's. I used to take her to a geriatric specialist. Mainly because they were set up to have others with the patient. My Mother In Law didn't speak much English so it was helpful. That Dr had told me that UTI's often present differently in older people, often not having symptoms until they were raging. She would also become disoriented. That was the most present symptom. This was during the 80's. I'm surprised that this is not more common knowledge by now other than older people do become somewhat invisible.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIt’s comforting to know that there are those who advocate for their elderly reiatives in respect to health concerns. Seniors can present differently in respect to how an illness manifests itself in that individual, as compared to a younger person. They deserve all the respect and attentiveness that they have earned in reaching these age milestones . Their collective contribution to our societies is immeasurable. How I see it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@juliebee93
Dr. Rachel Rubin said that UTIs can be avoided in elderly women by using a low-dose, inexpensive estrogen cream. Google "Dr. Rachel Rubin & UTI" to learn more.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy Mother (87), flips out with UTI's!!!! They are horrible for her!!! It is like she is in a different world!!! She says the craziest things, thinks the craziest things and almost always has to be hospitalized. She has had quite a few UTI's, antroverted uterus, had two kids, has had urinal incontinence for 30 some years. She now has fecal incontinence now as well. She tells me she saw my Dad in the Assisted Living Facility she lives in. Dad has been gone for two years. My MIL had a UTI so bad one time, my husband thought she had a stroke! Slurred words, spacing out, wild. My SIL is an RN, She said that UTI's really whack older people out into left field! If your loved one starts acting odd, urine smells weird, take them somewhere for a UTI test!!!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@susano2026 I referenced an event concerning a relative with an UTI. The speed by which this infection can escalate is an eye opener. The need for regular and consistent hydration can’t be stressed enough. For one thing it helps to flush the plumbing.
@grandmira - Thank you for your helpful comments.
My 96-1/2 year old mother is declining cognitively and physically.
I don't know if I can help make it happen, but she certainly should be checked for a UTI. Her doctor - at the (expensive) personal care facility where she lives for the past 2-1/2 years - when I asked her just recently about whether a UTI could be the cause of her confusion, she (the MD) immediately dismissed it.
It bothers me. And I don't know that my Mom will agree to provide her urine for the test. Now they are stating she is suitable for hospice care...(I won't go into the rest of that miscommunication mess right now) - but I need to know they RULED OUT A UTI. Even my sister, who is exasperated by our mother's stubbornness and responsible for her (my sister's) attempted suicide 11 years ago because of the intensity of their codependent relationship that my sister can't seem to shake - my sister is a retired Geriatric physician, of all things, and I have to question often if she hasn't just had it with our mother & whether that has come into play in not pushing for a much more thorough look at Mom's conditions overall.
It is miserable, and unfortunately I do not have an emotionally supportive partner.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@brandysparks
I surely can’t tell you what to do as it appears that your sister is more than capable of handling the situation. The only important person in this equation at the moment is your mom and her health status. Work towards putting your differences aside and focus on mom. I’m sure it’s difficult dealing with a senior with major deficits but what years she has left, see if they can be as pleasant as possible for her sake as well as your own.,
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions