Infections, including urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of delirium and dementia. Symptoms of UTIs are uncomfortable, but if left untreated, they can have long-term effects on the brain. According to researchers, approximately 30 percent of older people with UTIs develop delirium, and infections account for about half of delirium cases.
Delirium is known as an acute confusional state of mind and can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function. It is surprisingly common, especially among hospitalized patients. If the cause of delirium remains unresolved or untreated, it can accelerate and leave permanent damage. Studies have shown that delirium could contribute to an increased risk of dementia, as well as a higher rate of cognitive decline.
There is also emerging evidence that infections, including UTIs, are associated with an increased risk for dementia. A study in the United Kingdom found that people who had any type of infection had over 1.5 times the risk of developing dementia compared to those without infections. The risk remained elevated even up to nine or more years after the infection.
One potential risk factor is inflammation caused by an immune response to the infection, which can then spread to the brain and affect cognitive function. Research with mice has shown that UTIs can lead to behavioral and neuronal changes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, which are important for executive function and memory.
The good news is that increased awareness, prevention strategies, and available treatments can help significantly reduce the risk of UTIs, delirium, and dementia. It is important to stay hydrated, prevent and treat UTIs promptly, keep loved ones with delirium reoriented, and address other common preventable risk factors for dementia.
If you have questions about human behavior or neuroscience, you can email [email protected] and your question may be answered in a future column.
Source:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/mind/infections-utis-dementia/2021/07/16/5fc0f4d6-e493-11eb-88c5-4fd6382c47bc_story.html