Sudden Altered Mental Status in the Elderly… Suspect Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Do you know that a sudden altered mental state can be caused by infection?
Often the only presenting symptom in the elderly with an infection is a change in mental status or decline in functioning. Cognitive impairment in the elderly makes it very difficult to suspect a urinary tract infection is brewing. Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) in older adults.