UTIs in the Elderly
Vložit
- čas přidán 15. 12. 2022
- 2 FREE downloads- Different Dementias symptoms and life experiences & Activities for every stage go to:
www.answersaboutalz.org
Get the help you need with Debra's book, Forget Me Not, the number of caregivers guide.
www.amazon.com/Forget-Not-Alz...
1:1 Coaching live with Debra.
Book a call at:
calendly.com/debradementia/cm...
Take the Certified Master Dementia Strategist.
Become a Dementia expert!
To learn more visit
www.answersaboutalz.org
UTIs in the elderly often go overlooked. People in nursing homes are known to have a higher rate of UTIs due to immobility, dependence on others, use of a catheter, or incontinence. 1 in 20 residents develops a UTI each month. As we age, the consequences of an untreated UTI become more critical, and can even result in death if ignored for too long. UTIs are caused when infectious bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract, which is one of our body's primary waste disposal systems. When our brains are functioning normally, the urinary tract is able to reliably receive the signals that allow it to function. Throw in the neurodegeneration from dementia or Alzheimer’s and that’s when things start to get worrisome. Some signs of a UTI can be discolored urine, urine that isn’t light yellowish/straw in color, urine with a strong ammonia odor, a burning or stinging sensation while urinating, or the urge to urinate frequently but producing very little each time. Risk factors can include not fully emptying the bladder when voiding or poor hygiene practices - women should wipe front to back.
Some ways to avoid UTIs are to stay properly hydrated, avoid sugary beverages, and to urinate both before and after sex. Elderly people afflicted with a UTI are often more agitated or stressed than usual and may not be able to fully articulate what they are feeling. It is important to therefore be mindful of the early warning signs and get a urine test at the earliest possibility. Any delays in testing can lead to delays in treatment and as we stated, UTIs can have fatal consequences if untreated. And one last thing: if you or your person are prescribed antibiotics for a UTI, make sure to complete the entire course - don’t just stop once you feel better. We’re serious.
For more information about Alzheimer’s and other dementia be sure to leave us a message at answersaboutalz.org. If you prefer things a little more tangible then be sure to pick up a copy of our book “Forget me not”:
www.amazon.com/Forget-Not-Alz...
My mother developed a UTI when she was 94 and still living on her own . She didn't have dementia but she developed hallucinations and mania from the infection. It was very scary. She wouldn't go to the doctor . I spoke to him over the phone and he never mentioned the possibility of a UTI. My niece was the one that figured it out. We did manage to get some antibiotics and the symptoms gradually receded until she was totally lucid again. Later when she was in long-term care, she had two more infections. The staff didn't seem to notice her delirium - I guess they thought it was dementia. I was visiting her regularly so I was able both times to get her treated . Each time she developed hallucinations which went away with the antibiotics. I have a friend whose father died of a UTI that went septic.
Omg! What a story! Thank God you noticed it in the NH!
Your mother is so lucky to have such good support. May i ask how long did it take for the delirium to subside? was it right after the UTI got cleared up?
Omg! Wow! I don't even know what to say! Stupid Dr
My mother is 95, in a rehab center right now after being hospitalized for urinary retention. She has developed a UTI after wearing a catheter for a week. Prior to the hospitalization she would sometimes complain about feeling like she had a fever but there was no fever. Sometimes she would say things like I feel like I'm losing my mind. I've been wondering if she has been suffering of UTIs and medical staff has just been writing it off as dementia.
There is research showing uti’s come from eating chicken.
bacteria comes from the chicken
Hello I’m 71 yrs old
I was just told that the Drs can’t help me no more. I’m allergic to most of the antibiotics . I’ve had sooo many UTI
My next step was surgery I said no surgery
What else can I do to stop the UTI
I know all the steps you are talking about
And I try my best to practice them…I drink about 2 quarts of water a day
This is so informative. Thank you.
Thanks Linda. What else would you like to learn about?
Thank You so much!
I really gain a lot, thank you.
Thanks for the great information!
Thanks for the comment Carol! CZcams lives comments! So thanks!
👍
My mom has a fallen bladder and it’s in stage 4 meaning needs major surgery asap. She is in Canada and it’s been impossible to get any where with this and she is also in the early stages of stages of dementia. It’s been so hard she kept missing appointments and that’s how I found out she failed her dementia test. I went to one of her appointments. She told my sister I just showed up. lol 😝 she was supposed to come with me to one of my doctors appointments appointment and forgot. They were a day apart. Long story short it’s been a night mare. 3 of her kids are on the US side and one on the Canadian side. She can also doc on the U.S. side but refuses because she thinks she will have to pay but she doesn’t and we can’t get that through to her. She passed her 3 test so now we can’t step in and she thinks we are trying to to take her freedom away.
Great explanation you should have been my nursing instructor
Wow! Thanks!
My mother has uti.she is 85 please for her cure
Hello! This video was so helpful! My 75 year old father has Alzheimer’s and is currently in the hospital on IV antibiotics. He is recovering well, but, wears depends as he has accidents sometimes. My mom is his caregiver. How often should they be changing his depends? He usually does not pee/soil them, but they are more there for a just in case.
I would do toilet trios every 2 hours to help prevent soiling the briefs, but as soon as you kniw he's had a accident you should take care of it to prevent shin breakdown and infections
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE UNSOILED BRIEFS IN A DAY?
Hi well I got supper confused and couldn’t get the words out and frustrated . My mouth got numb. My son got me to ER. Tia with UTI. Cat scan showed blood clots in my small veins . Mri no blood bleeds. Kidney ultra sound ok. Previous afib cardioversion . So now on blood thinners, aspirin , cholesterol pill and antibiotic . Dr said confusion on Tia vs bladder infection . Or both . On potassium pills too . What just happened . Out of hospital now.
What about elderly with dementia who are totally inconsistent and on diapers?
I just found your popcast. I like to ask you one question, my Dad is 87, me and my brothers had to put my Dad in a care facility, is it normal for my Dad when he stopped bathing we did this for his safety but it was a lot of other things, I personally give him a bath he knows me now, how aggressive is the form of Alzheimer..Thanks you
Daniel, I'm not exactly clear on what your question is?
My mother is 86, and in July she started urinating beside the bed. During the day she is fine, and knows to go to the bathroom but at night she wakes up, stands up and urinates beside the bed. IT happens every night! I have pee pads all around the bed that I have to wash every day. I bought one of the pads that you set beside the bed to alert when she is up, but by the time the alarm goes off and I get in the bedroom, she has already urinated. Any advice? I have placed adult diapers on her at night but she takes them off and hides them.
This us really tough! Have you looked into the newer catheters that are outside the body? They gently pull the urine out. I've had good and bad reviews on these devices.
diapers
What do you do if a idiot geriatrician doesn't want to treat it. Even with bacteria, blood, leukocytes and protein I the urine. The doctor just gaslights all the time when it comes to trying to get a UA for my mom. What can I do?