UTIs can affect seniors in many ways—from raising blood pressure to slowing recovery. In some cases, they can even trigger seizures.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in the elderly. Certain symptoms of a UTI, particularly fevers, can trigger seizures. Seniors who are diagnosed with epilepsy are at a higher risk for seizures if they develop a UTI. Here’s more on how UTIs are linked with seizures in older adults.

Aging Health reports that UTIs are the most commonly diagnosed infections among the aging population. The rate of infection tends to increase with age. The incidence rate of women older than 65 is over 10 percent, while the rate is over 30 percent for those 85 and older.

Women are more at risk for developing a UTI than men, especially after menopause when age-related changes occur. UTIs are caused by bacteria—and the weakened immune system of older adults makes it harder for their aging bodies to fight off infections.

The decline of estrogen levels after menopause thins the vaginal lining, making it easier for bacteria to spread to the urinary tract. Older women also experience a weakened pelvic floor; this makes it harder for the bladder to fully empty, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.

Women’s urethras are shorter than men’s, which makes them more at risk for UTIs. However, older men are also susceptible to developing UTIs, especially if they have an enlarged prostate. If the prostate enlarges and causes an obstruction, the urine stagnates and leads to an infection.

How Does a UTI Trigger Seizures in the Elderly?

1. Fever

Medical experts have discovered a link between UTIs and seizures. A fever is a common symptom of a UTI—and high temperatures are known to trigger seizures in elderly patients. Fevers impact the brain, specifically the temperature-sensitive ion channels, elevating the organ’s temperature.

As the fever increases the brain’s temperature, neuronal function alters. The brain’s high temperature impacts how its cells communicate. All of these factors increase the likelihood of seizures in older adults who suffer from a UTI and the accompanying fevers.

2. Stroke Risk

Any infection can increase the risk of a stroke, making a UTI a common trigger for strokes and seizures in the elderly. In fact, Harvard Health finds that UTIs are linked with more than triple the typical risk of a stroke within 30 days of the infection.

Researchers note that infections cause inflammation throughout the body, which leads to a higher susceptibility to blood vessel blockages and ruptures. As a result, blood clots are likely to form. The majority of strokes are caused by clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain, which may then trigger seizures.

3. Medication Interactions

Older adults diagnosed with epilepsy may be prescribed anti-epilepsy drugs and may take antibiotics for a UTI. But some antibiotics, like macrolides, doxycycline, and carbapenems, interact with anti-epilepsy drugs, making them less effective. Reduced drug effectiveness could allow seizures to occur.

Due to the increased risk for seizures in seniors who take anti-epilepsy drugs and antibiotics for their UTI, it’s critical that they tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements they are taking. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions and resulting seizures in elderly individuals.

How Can Seniors Prevent a UTI and Reduce Seizure Risk?

Aging individuals can reduce their risk of a seizure by taking steps to prevent a UTI. Hydration is one the easiest ways seniors can prevent UTIs. Increase the daily water intake so that urine is pale yellow or as clear as possible. The recommended amount is two liters per day.

By drinking plenty of water, seniors empty their bladder more frequently. This makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. It’s also critical that the elderly do not hold their urine. Visit the bathroom as soon as the urge to urinate occurs.

Eating foods high in probiotics is also advised. Foods, like yogurt, kefir, miso, and pickles, support good bacteria and gut health. Women who are prone to UTIs should also drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements. Cranberries inhibit bacterial growth in the urinary tract.

Practice good hygiene. After using the bathroom, older women should wipe front to back. Medical experts also warn against taking baths to prevent UTIs. Bathwater might contain bacteria from skin that can come into contact with the urethra and increase the risk of a UTI.

Seniors who develop a UTI may be prescribed antibiotics by their doctor. It’s important to take the medicine as directed to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas, such as the bloodstream or kidneys. Caregivers can help ensure the elderly take medications as prescribed.

Read more care information,   How Seniors Can Recover From A UTI

Senior Care That Helps Prevent UTIs and Seizures

Older adults can suffer a seizure if they develop a UTI. This is why they should practice good hygiene, eat nutritious foods, and stay hydrated with water or cranberry juice to prevent a UTI. If a UTI occurs despite taking precautions, a visit to a healthcare provider can offer relief.

Elder Care from Assisting Hands

The professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are invested in the health of seniors. We provide a range of non-medical care services to help prevent health issues, like UTIs and seizures. Caregivers provide compassionate elder care in the comfort of the older adult’s home.

• We serve beverages throughout the day to keep the elderly hydrated, which can ward off UTIs.
• Caregivers prepare and serve healthy meals to promote health. If your aging loved one is prone to UTIs, we shop for and serve foods rich in probiotics.
• Transportation and escort are provided to the doctor’s office so the senior can discuss their health concerns with the physician. We also provide transport to the pharmacy to pick up medications.
• Caregivers provide timely medication reminders to keep seniors compliant with their drug regimen.
• Additional responsibilities include light housekeeping, which includes the removal of fall hazards, like clutter. We respectfully assist with hygiene tasks, such as toileting, bathing, and grooming.
• Companionship is a vital part of our care and includes outings, conversations, and recreational activities.

Choose Assisting Hands Home Care to support your aging loved one’s daily non-medical care needs. We are privileged to serve seniors in Bartlett, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn how quality senior home care elevates your loved one’s health and helps prevent complications from UTIs and seizures. Call (630) 948-8193.