My Mother has dementia and is in a nursing facility. For the past week she has been acting ten times worst and doesn't want to eat. She is also coughing every time she drinks or eats anything. (maybe ephagia. which the are going to check on) Can UTI cause these symptoms? It is a sudden decline. She was eating and acting ok for dementia around a week or so ago and then suddenly talking so much out of the realm.
Has anyone had anything like this?
Urosepsis is common among nursing home residents. As people age, their immune systems weaken so cannot fight infections. My mother had no fever or any indication she was in serious trouble until the coma developed. The UTI was diagnosed at hospital. Suddenly not eating can be a sign of something bad happening. With the other sudden changes, I would suspect that more is going on than just UTI. She should be tested for sepsis.
When my Dad had an urinary tract infection, he was seeing ants on the walls and in his food. Once on antibiotics, the "ants" started to disappear.
My Dad also had the same problem with eating or drinking, he would have a coughing spell after each bite or slip of liquid. The food wasn't going down his throat correctly. Glad to read that you are having your Mom checked out, the sooner the better so it doesn't lead to aspiration pneumonia.