Why Do Urine Infections Cause Confusion in the Minds of the Elderly?
Urinary tract infections in the elderly result in the inflammation of the brain and temperature changes that could affect their cognitive and thinking function. This delirium is dangerous for the elderly as they are more prone to falls, irrational behaviour and accidents in this state, notes UrineInfection.net.
Elderly people are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection because they have weaker immune systems than younger people, problems with the bladder dropping down out of its usual position, and a reduced ability to control urination and bowel movements. This increases the possibility of bacteria getting into the urinary tract, states WebMD.
UTIs in the elderly often do not produce the usual symptoms like burning during urination and abdominal pain. Instead, the main symptoms of urine infection in older people include fatigue and weakness, headaches and behaviour changes, confusion and memory loss, explains UrineInfection.net.
When a UTI is left untreated for too long, sepsis can develop, resulting in high fever, rapid and irregular heartbeat and septic shock which results in a dangerous lowering of blood pressure. This can be fatal, notes UrineInfection.net.
As recurrent urine infections are a common problem in the elderly, it is important to have a urine test done every few months. Family members should look out for confusion, changes in behaviour and unusual sleepiness in patients who are susceptible to these infections, states UrineInfection.com.
