Dementia and urinary tract infections, or UTIs, actually
share some symptoms that can make it difficult to tell the difference between
them. According to Alzheimer's Society, both of these conditions can cause
confusion, withdrawal from social and other events and activities, or
agitation.[1]
Additionally, since elderly individuals who are older or who already suffer
from dementia may have a difficult time communicating, it may be hard for your
senior to tell you exactly how they are feeling. As such, the professionals at AlwaysBest Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors,
Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, explain that it is crucial that you familiarize
yourself with the symptoms, prevention methods, and cures of UTIs to best care
for your loved one.[2]
UTI Symptoms
UTIs can take root at any place in the urinary tract system,
including the bladder or kidneys. Some of the symptoms associated with this
infection include:
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Urine that has a strong odor
- Low fever
- Burning or painful sensation during urination
- Pressure in the lower abdomen or back
- Urge to urinate often
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- High fever
- Pain in the side or groin
- Skin that is flushed or red
- Warm skin
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
UTI Prevention
Your senior can reduce their risk of developing a UTI with
several lifestyle changes. For instance, they can take showers instead of
baths, practice healthy personal hygiene, and (in the case of women) wipe from
front to back. Additionally, seniors can wear pants that do not fit too
tightly, choose cotton undergarments, and change their clothing at least once
per day. In terms of diet, elderly individuals can drink the proper amount of
fluids and cranberry juice while refraining from alcohol and caffeine, which
can irritate the urinary tract system.
UTI Cure
Antibiotics are the most common method of treatment for
UTIs. In addition to antibiotics, individuals may be prescribed medications to
alleviate pain and control the sudden urge to urinate. If the infection is
severe, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure that your senior gets the
amount of fluids, antibiotics, and other forms of care that they need.
Dementia and UTIs have surprisingly common symptoms, so the
home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville believe that it is important that you
understand the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of UTIs in order to best
care for your elderly loved one.
Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online for a free e-booklet on senior care!
Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
[1] http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1777
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001549/
Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.
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