Symtoms to Look For

UTIsare infections that occur anywhere in the urinary tract system.

They are most often sparked by bacteria, but fungi and viruses can also cause them.

A UTI can significantly impact the functioning of someone who hasAlzheimer’s diseaseoranother kind of dementia.

Doctor holding an empty specimen cup

fluxfoto/ Getty Images

Often, people who havedementiaand who develop a UTI will experience significantbehavioral changes.

Any infection can trigger delirium, and UTIs are a frequent cause of delirium in dementia.

Treatment

Most often, UTIs are treated with antibiotics.

“I Know My Mother Has a UTI.

Why Are They Waiting to Treat It?”

One of the challenges in healthcare is managing the use of antibiotics.

In other words, the bacteria have grown stronger andthe usual antibiotics aren’t always effective.

Additionally, after sex, women should be encouraged to urinate because of the increased risk of a UTI.

Holding your urine too long can increase the risk of a UTI.

Does Cranberry Juice Help?

Research has come up with different results on this question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a UTI can trigger behavioral changes and delirium in people with dementia.

Any infection causes inflammation throughout the body.

Women are more prone to UTIs than men due to their urinary systems.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Urinary tract infection.

2019;14(1):e0209909.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209909

Geerlings SE.Clinical presentations and epidemiology of urinary tract infections.Microbiol Spectr.

2016;4(5).

doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.UTI-0002-2012

Genao L, Buhr GT.Urinary tract infections in older adults residing in long-term care facilities.Ann Longterm Care.

2012;20(4):3338.

2012;33(10):965977.

2015;213(2):194.e1194.e1948.

Cochrane.Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections.

Liu LM.UTIs in nursing home residents: better diagnosis would reduce antibiotic overuse.Adv NPs PAs.

2012 Sep;3(9):25-6.

2016 Feb;17(2):183.e1-16.

doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.11.013

NIH.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Bladder infection (urinary tract infectionUTI) in adults.