Antibiotics for delirium?

Many elderly people (especially those with dementia) cannot reliably report classic UTI symptoms (such as itching, urinary burning, frequency or inability). A normal urinalysis (or even just an over-the-counter urine dipstick) can be very helpful in diagnosing or ruling out a UTI. Delirium can also be caused by dehydration, drug interactions, drug overdoses and hypothermia. The good news is that UTI-based delirium is highly

treatable with antibiotics. If an elderly person in your care displays sudden symptoms of delirium such as acute agitation, be sure to ask your doctor to check for a UTI—and check often. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to serious illness and death. On the other hand, if it is treated as dementia and not as a UTI, unnecessary medication may be administered, leading to added complications.

The caregiver advantage

Employing a consistent, regular caregiver can go a long way in helping to recognize the sudden behavioral changes that signal a UTI or other health problem. Furthermore, by providing careful toileting and bathing assistance, a caregiver can assure a more hygienic condition for elderly clients, greatly lowering their risk of contracting a UTI.