A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common condition that can affect anyone in any age group. It is caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria that enters the urethra and infects the urinary tract.
While some of the most common symptoms of UTI include frequent urination, burning sensation or pain during urination, urgency to urinate, and abdominal pain, in older adults, the condition can manifest a little differently. This includes neurological complications, such as delirium, characterised by changes in mental abilities. To understand the link, we spoke to Dr Avanish Arora, Director of Urology/Urological Cancer Department, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.
Also Read: Experiencing Frequent UTI? Here's What It Can Mean
Why Age Is A Risk Factor For UTI?
UTIs are common in older adults, especially those in long-term care, according to a 2014 study published in the journal Aging Health, which further noted that women are much more likely to get UTIs than men, with young sexually active women experiencing the highest rates.
In general, UTI risk declines in middle age but then shoots back up in older adults. As per the study, over 10% of women over 65 have had a UTI in the past year, and that number jumps to nearly 30% for women over 85.
Men also see an increase in UTIs after 65, though not as dramatically as women.
According to Dr Arora, older adults are generally more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to factors such as weakened immune systems, hormonal changes, and age-related changes in the urinary tract that make them more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Therefore, regular medical check-ups and proper hygiene are essential for prevention in this population, he advised.
Common Signs Of UTI To Note
Some of the common signs of UTI include:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation or pain during urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort or pain
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Delirium In Older Adults With UTI
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When it comes to older adults, UTI may manifest differently, with delirium and confusion as prevalent symptoms.
According to a study published in the journal Cureus, as we age, our brains become more susceptible to the effects of inflammation, which can disrupt the brain's oxygen supply and lead to confusion and delirium.
This is especially concerning because delirium in older adults is often associated with poor outcomes like death, longer hospital stays, and even dementia.
The study further notes that once dementia develops, it can be difficult to diagnose UTIs or UTI-induced delirium. This is because the symptoms of these conditions can overlap with the symptoms of dementia.
Additionally, Dr Arora shared that if the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, it may result in conditions like acute pyelonephritis, which can affect the kidneys and potentially lead to neurological symptoms, which may include confusion, delirium, altered mental status, and sometimes even behavioural changes.
Conclusion
UTI can occur in anyone; however, its symptoms may vary in older adults. While most of the time, they can be identified with symptoms like frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, and abdominal discomfort, delirium is also a sign in older adults, which can often lead to cognitive decline. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatments are extremely important to prevent its progression to more severe complications, Dr Arora concluded.