When a UTI goes undetected in an Alzheimer’s patient they can become mean, delusional, dull, disoriented or worse. Undetected UTIs are common in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
Yes, there is such a thing as a silent urinary tract infection.
Silent means no clear cut sign of physical pain, no burning sensation, and no discernible odor.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer’s Reading Room
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There are discernible symptoms of a UTI in dementia patients, but the symptoms are rarely connected to UTI by caregivers. This is especially true of “new” or “less experienced” Alzheimer’s caregivers.
In addition urinary tract infections do go undetected in nursing homes and memory care facilities.
What usually happens when a person living with dementia has a silent UTI? They usually evidence a change in behavior, a sudden change for the worse.
