Mom's urine is orange/red, but results are that she does not have a UTI. I am concerned, but her doctor does not seem to be; saying nothing to treat. She's been much more confused lately, muscles are suddenly weaker (can hardly hold a full cup), sudden onset of fecal incontinence, easily agitated. There are other new behaviors but this is a good list. If the doctor is not helping, what should I do now?
In my experience, a good doctor or nurse will know this is true, but unfortunately the majority do not and seem to right away go into the mode of "test right, caregiver wrong" and get stuck there. In that case, I find a new doctor or nurse.
The Alzheimer's Association has a wonderful 24-hour help line which covers people with all kinds of dementia, even simple memory loss. That has been a lifesaver for me because they live in the reality of human beings, not the wierd "laboratory/ drug land" of many in the medical establishment.
Reality land is where a senior's UTI usually expresses itself as mental confusion and weakness. Totally normal.
Another set of eyes would still be good, especially a geriatrician's eyes. But realize that there are not a lot of treatments for late stage dementia.