Seniors Are At Risk of Dementia-Like Symptoms Known as Delirium From Undetected UTIs

Seniors are more vulnerable to UTIs and do not have typical symptoms.

Women and men over age 75 are more susceptible to UTIs due to a weakened immune system. Many may not exhibit the typical signs of a UTI, such as a burning sensation or pain in their lower abdomen. This is known as an “asymptomatic” UTI.

Their lack of symptoms occurs either because their immune systems cannot fight the infection or they cannot communicate their discomfort. Without these symptomatic “alarm bells,” an undiagnosed and untreated UTI can quickly lead to complications like kidney damage and blood poisoning.

A sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, and difficulty communicating contribute to the challenges older adults face in getting timely care when an infection occurs.

Anyone who has had a UTI recognizes the “uh-oh” feeling that comes with it. For older adults, the onset of a UTI can be harder to diagnose and quickly becomes debilitating. Clearing any existing bacteria and beginning a preventative protocol can be a life saving approach.

One tell-tale symptom of UTIs in seniors is a sudden change in mental state called Delirium.

This is often mistaken for the early stages of dementia but develops rapidly over hours to days, rather than months to years. Key indicators of delirium include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, inability to communicate clearly, dizziness, and falling. Delirium can also be treated and often improves when the UTI is mitigated.

In long-term care facilities, UTIs are the second most common infection and the most common cause of hospitalization for bacterial infection. Therefore, all caretakers – both professionals and those at home – must know the signs and how to treat infections properly, while also seeking to prevent them.

Monitoring and Diagnosing Their UTI

The general population is not trained to discern the difference between delirium and dementia.

Skilled nurses serving older adults in long-term care facilities can identify the difference. When they observe a sudden change in behavior, they first request a urine test. In most cases, the patient has a UTI, and once treated, returns to their normal personality and behavior.

Caregivers and family members can also check for a UTI by using Goodbye UTI’s At Home Checkup Strips. The urine test results are easy to understand using the color-coded guide on the bottle.

Treatment with Long-Term Antibiotics Is NOT The Answer

Clinical research has shown that prescribing antibiotics to attack infections can strip the body of both good and bad bacteria. This is particularly acute for seniors with immune-compromised systems. In many cases, antibiotic treatment will also cause other problems, such as vaginal yeast infections or prostatitis.

In addition, antibiotics can cause severe side effects in this patient population. As a result, doctors are now cautioned not to prescribe antibiotics unless the urinary tract infection has migrated to the kidneys and become life-threatening.

Doctors Now Recommending D-Mannose 

Given this, the medical community has begun to search for alternative solutions to arresting UTIs in the elderly. Many doctors have begun to recommend trying a natural supplement known as D-Mannose to provide relief from an active UTI and protect their sensitive systems against recurring UTIs.

The most effective form of D-Mannose is a 100% pure powder which, when mixed with water, dissolves completely and has no taste. A significant amount of research on the safety and efficacy of D-Mannose is available in our “Medical Research” section.

You can also visit the Goodbye UTI website and watch a video from a pharmacist on how it works.