Diagnosing, managing and preventing urinary tract infections in older people with dementia in hospital

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older people and are frequently more complicated to diagnose than in younger adults. There are often challenges associated with distinguishing symptomatic UTIs from asymptomatic bacteriuria, particularly in people with cognitive impairment. Older people with dementia are at increased risk of developing a UTI because dementia can lead to voiding issues, impede personal hygiene and increase the need for urinary catheterisation. Furthermore, while a UTI is usually diagnosed based on an individual's physical signs and symptoms, people with dementia may only exhibit signs of sudden altered mental status such as increased confusion, agitation or withdrawal, making diagnosis challenging. This article discusses the main considerations regarding UTIs in people with dementia in hospital and outlines prevention strategies that nurses can implement in their practice.