Sudden Changes in Behavior? A Urinary Tract Infection Could Be the Cause.

When an individual with dementia has a sudden change in their behavior---usually not for the better---it is always a good idea to check for a urinary tract infection.

Unlike most indiviuals who develop urinary tract infections (hereafter called UTI's) individuals who have dementia may not be able to relay/or even experience the common signs and symptoms of UTI's.  They do not demonstrate what a caregiver would consider signs of physical pain, no burning sensation when urinating, have no discernible odor to their urine.  They may go to the bathroom more often, experience episodes of incontinence or their urinary output may decrease.

But let's make this very clear---dealing with a UTI goes beyond dealing with the behavioral issues.  An undetected UTI can mean you spend the night in the emergency room as your loved one is put through a series of tests.  Any undetected infection, including a UTI, can become so serious that it can lead to death.  Infections are the leading cause of death among individuals with dementia.

UTI's can occur frequently.  Often times, despite trips to the doctor's, a UTI might be missed--- even when a "quick test" is performed in the doctor's office.  Insist that the urine specimen be cultured.  It is the only sure way to diagnose a UTI.

A UTI caught early enough can be treated with simple antibiotics.  Left untreated, a UTI can cause the individual with dementia to become increasingly confused, undernourished, dehydrated, depressed and even increase their memory loss.  

Please remember, and individual with dementia may not be able to tell you how they are feeling, they may not be able to tell you when they are sick.  When the person you are caring for becomes:

• suddenly disoriented
• or has a sharp drop in memory
• or becomes increasingly agitated
• or experiences a new kind of anger
• or exhibites any new, negative behavior...