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January 28, 2025Recognising 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 get a UTI for a variety of reasons. Prevention is key but
they can occur at anytime so knowing and recognising the symptoms is vital.
Behavioural signs: A sudden change in behaviour that is out of character, anxiety, agitation, 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: Good personal hygiene, keep hydrated, avoid 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 where ever possible or a reactive doctor’s
surgery will ask you to send a urine sample in so it can be diagnosed quickly. Then antibiotics
prescribed and within a day or two the symptoms have eased and getting back to normal.
Sometimes a urine infection can be mistaken for a sudden decline in dementia or Alzheimer’s, or
‘sudden onset dementia’. It is important to rule out a UTI first.