Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
UTIs and Dementia: An Overlooked Connection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common yet often overlooked issue among individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. While UTIs can affect anyone, the risk is heightened in those with dementia due to various factors, including decreased personal hygiene and challenges in communicating symptoms.
At the root of this problem lies the reduced ability of people with dementia to maintain proper hygiene and personal care. As cognitive function declines, tasks such as regular cleaning and staying hydrated become increasingly difficult, creating an environment conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to UTIs.
Compounding the issue is the challenge in detecting UTIs in individuals with dementia. Many individuals with dementia experience communication difficulties, making it challenging for them to express discomfort or symptoms clearly. Additionally, the symptoms of UTIs can overlap with those of dementia, further complicating the diagnosis.
The signs of a UTI in someone with dementia can be diverse and may include sleeping issues, anxiety, depression, confusion, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Physical symptoms such as pain or a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, lower abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, and mild fever may also be present.
The connection between UTIs and dementia is multifaceted, with symptoms from both conditions often intertwining. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or a delayed response, exacerbating the situation and potentially causing further complications.
Early detection and prompt treatment of UTIs are crucial for individuals with dementia, as untreated infections can worsen cognitive function and contribute to an overall decline in health. Caregivers and healthcare professionals play a vital role in recognizing the signs and advocating for appropriate medical attention.
Getting Help
When UTIs wreak havoc, we sometimes see message threads in which caregivers are in a state of panic about the symptoms. And for good reason — the symptoms are powerful and can actually mimic the end of life for some people. Getting a urine test may not be the first thing you think of when your loved one starts behaving so differently, but these changes often occur with a UTI due to fever and increased pain. When you see sudden behavioral changes, it is important to rule a UTI out and consult with a doctor.
How can people with dementia prevent UTIs?
Preventing UTIs in people with dementia is crucial for their overall well-being. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk:
. Stay Hydrated: Encourage regular fluid intake to promote proper urinary function.
. Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Prompt people with dementia to use the bathroom regularly to prevent urinary retention.
. Proper Hygiene: Do your best to help with maintaining personal hygiene, including wiping techniques. Women especially need to wipe front to back after using the bathroom to avoid bacteria spread.
. Cranberry Pills: Take a daily cranberry pill to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining.
. UTI Test Strips: Keep Utiva UTI Test Strips on hand to diagnose UTIs early and start treatment right away.
Utiva Cranberry PACs: A Clinically Effective
Prevention: Utiva Cranberry PACs offer a promising solution for UTI prevention without contributing to antibiotic resistance. Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) have been extensively studied for their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract, preventing the colonization and proliferation of UTI-causing bacteria. A urogynecologist, Dr. Emily Rutledge emphasizes, “There is a lot of evidence that cranberry supplements are safe and effective. You can find all sorts of cranberry supplements but if they don’t have that 36 mg PAC and are measured by DMAC/A2 then they are a waste of money.” Utiva Cranberry PACs, with a standardized dose of 36 mg PACs measured by DMAC/A2, provide a clinically effective option for individuals seeking to reduce their risk of recurrent UTIs.
Recurrent UTIs pose a significant health concern, exacerbated by the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Healthcare providers and patients play a vital role in addressing this challenge by adopting preventive strategies and exploring alternative approaches to UTI management. Dr. Colleen McDermott, another urogynecologist, recommends, “Antibiotics are the first-line treatment, but there are clinically proven options to help prevent. When considering cranberry supplements, I recommend my patients select a product with 36 mg of PACs.” Utiva Cranberry PACs offer a safe, evidence-based option for UTI prevention, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards better urinary health and reduced reliance on antibiotics.
For more information, visit Utiva’s webpage. https://www.utivahealth.com or call: 1-888-622-3613
Sources:
• https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/october_2011/sudden_change_in_behavior_urinary_tract_infection
• https://www.utivahealth.ca/blogs/resources/the-link-between-dementia-and-utis-spotting-the-signs-and-preventing-infection#:~:text=People%20with%20dementia%20are%20twice,keep%20infections%20away%E2%80%94for%20good
