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Does mom see a geriatrics doctor or a regular internist? It might be worth looking into the former. In my opinion, any real doctor rules out out an underlying physical cause for problems before looking at a complex brain based problem
(like dementia, schizophrenia, etc.)
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I agree as well. We do so much but can't expect to know everything. We should be able to rely on the experts but you can't. We all must become as educated as we can. I think the key is knowing the person and what just doesn't seem right. Just like you did. No need to feel guilty. As the others said, you recognized you needed to take control of the situation and you did, and now know more than you did before. That's all you can expect.
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My mom gets them a lot, she is 90 years old. Most times elderly people have no symptoms, so It is hard to tell. They think they have to pee a lot though, but nothing will come out. So, they needs to be checked, get a urine test. It helps if they empty their bladder frequently and drink lots of water. Or else bacteria will grow and cause another infection. If she is in a home, they will take care of it, if not you need to keep an eye on the situation.
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Beachdiva, please do not feel guilty. It is appalling to me how medical professionals and others who work with the elderly do not consider UTIs as being the first reason for uncharacteristic behavior in seniors. I went through this last summer when a top rated nursing home my Mom was in for rehab for a broken arm would not listen to me about her sudden strange confusion. The head of physical therapy kept howling about sundowners and told me that "old people get this way". Not my Mom! The nurse finally tested for a UTI when my husband demanded it and a couple of days later my Mom was rushed to the hospital with delirium. Needless to say I never sent her back to that nursing home for rehab. It is not your fault that the people working with seniors are so clueless about UTI behaviors. You did the right thing by keeping at it and getting your Mom the help she needed!
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Absolutely agree the one who should feel guilty in the primary Dr not you. You are not medically trained (I asume) you did all the right things and will know what to look out for in the future. The weight loss may be worrying though. Has she been tested for diabetes? Does she have difficulty swallowing, frequent diarrhea or bad indigestion? Bad teeth, no or ill fitting dentures/
I probably would not put her through extensive testing if she is towards the end of her life but at least have the Dr consider the posibilities and treat as needed symptomatically
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Why do you feel terrible? You did exactly what you were supposed to do. You assessed your mom's symptoms and got her medical attention right away. A diagnosis was made and I'm assuming treatment was given. You did what a caregiver should do.

The symptoms of a UTI mimic those of dementia. How were you supposed to know that? But you knew your mom was sick and you sought medical care. I think your mom is in very good hands with you. You took care of her and got her seen by a Dr. There is nothing to feel guilty about. You did good!

UTI's are fairly common in the elderly and now you know what to look for in case it happens again. Your mom is lucky to have you.
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