Recognising signs of a urinary tract infection – UTI.

Quickly recognising the signs and symptoms of a UTI in yourself or a loved one can reduce falls, illness and hospital admissions. Anyone can develop a UTI for various reasons. Prevention is key, but they can occur at any time, so knowing and recognising the symptoms is vital.

Behavioural signs: A sudden behaviour change that is out of character, anxiety, agitation, and memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, delusions and even aggression can be a sign.

Physical signs: Frequent urination, pain and discomfort. Strong, concentrated urine and/or passing small amounts more frequently, there may be blood in the urine.

Avoiding a UTI: Practice good personal hygiene, stay hydrated, and avoid using strong-scented soaps.

If you visit a loved one and they have sudden or increased memory loss and behavioural changes – Drastic or subtle, then it could likely be a UTI. Quick treatment is important. If this is left, then the result will be falls, dangerous wandering, physical illness and hospital admissions. A call to the GP is vital here, then an appointment made for the same day, wherever possible or a reactive doctor’s surgery will ask you to send a urine sample in so it can be diagnosed quickly. Then antibiotics are prescribed, and within a day or two, the symptoms have eased and you are getting back to normal.

Sometimes a urine infection can be mistaken for a sudden decline in dementia or Alzheimer’s, or sudden onset of dementia. It is important to rule out a UTI first.