If not a UTI it could be "night terrors". If Mom just hollers, I wouldn't worry too much about it but would inform her Neurologist that she is having them and hallucinating. With the hallucinations, if they don't frighten her let it go. My Mom had a little girl who disappeared when I showed up.
If Mom gets to the point the hollaring is prolonged and she seems really frightened, wake her up. Tell her to open her eyes then tell her to go back to sleep. If she has these types of night terrors more than 2x a week, there is medication that can be given for them and hallucinations. Moms Neurologist didn't want to give meds unless there was a very good need.
If it does turn out to be a UTI please know that in elderly (mostly) women, getting multiple UTIs is very common and has less to do with hygiene and hydration and more with changes in anatomy and physiology. For whatever reason the elderly don't initially display "normal" physical symptoms of a UTI (like pain when voiding, fever, urgency) but rather "dementia"-like symptoms (sudden changes in behavior, agitation, hallucinations, confusion). An untreated UTI can turn into sepsis, which is life-threatening. Do make sure she is drinking enough fluids or eating high-water content foods like watermelon, cucumber, grapes, jello, etc.
Agree - My mom would have the same nighttime problems with a uti. Just call the dr and ask to pick up a sample cup and drop a sample off. I now keep a few sample cups on hand.
If Mom gets to the point the hollaring is prolonged and she seems really frightened, wake her up. Tell her to open her eyes then tell her to go back to sleep. If she has these types of night terrors more than 2x a week, there is medication that can be given for them and hallucinations. Moms Neurologist didn't want to give meds unless there was a very good need.
Definitely get her tested for UTI and an evaluation for her dementia, it is progressive so you will see new behaviour regularly.