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Nikki99 Asked June 2014

Why do UTIs affect people with dementia the way they do?

Just curious. Mom still is really good with her hygiene and I don't think she has experienced any UTI's, but it's a concern I have with foresight to her vascular dementia. What are some symptoms, besides acting really differently? And how does it all correlate? Why would a UTI make someone behave differently if they have demetia? Thanks!

GardenArtist Jun 2014
Just a guess here as I'm not a medical professional, but I suspect the infection spreads quicker to more debilitated bodies which can't fight back as easily as younger persons. Elderly are just so much more vulnerable in so many ways.

Eyerishlass Jun 2014
Dr.'s aren't even sure why elderly people with UTI's become confused (or more confused if they already have dementia). But any kind of virus or infection can cause confusion in an elderly person. UTI's are just more common.

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jeannegibbs Jun 2014
I'm not sure, Nikki, but I think the elderly have different symptoms from UTIs than younger people do -- whether they have dementia or not. One of my aunts lived to be 100 with no signs at all of dementia, but when she had a UTI in her 80s she hallucinated and had delusions.

That doesn't really answer your question as to WHY it happens, but it is very useful to know that it does, if you are caring for an older person.

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