Dementia and bladder infection confusion. How long does it last after the shot is given?

Patfalk - yes, you did the right thing. Also, surprised they didn't give her fluids to help flush out her system. WIth my mom with severe UTI and dilerium, they gave her antibiotic and fluids to help rehydrate her and flush her out. Then continued to give her fluids (lots of water, cranberry juice) and ensure/Boost or other small nutrient-full snacks like turkey and crackers, cheese cubes, protein bars, etc. It took a few days where she was in and out of confusion but after a week, infection was cleared and she was back to "normal" (although she has dementia). Mom seems to be more prone to the UTIs since the last one, so I and Dr had to remind her to keep hydrated and keep drinking all day. She does pretty well and has a diet these days of mostly whole milk, cheese and juice, egg -- but this is what she likes and is doing pretty well.

patfalk, I'm glad you know what to look for when it comes to UTIs. Your mother has a great caregiver. I hope she'll be better in a day or two. I know what you're going through. UTIs are no fun at all.

I,spoke too soon,about mom being all better.Next day,confusion,there again.I,called Dr. and I said,the shot for infection,not enough.I,suggested antibodtics in pill.She,started,them,yesterday.I,hope,she's better today. HUGS to all

UTI's can cause a variety of symptoms particularly in those with dementia. I have seen everything from a back ache, took her to a massage therapist for that, stroke symptoms, couldn't walk or talk, face droopy, etc. I think it is a problem with how the brain is sending signals and how it also interprets them.

Two days ago my mom, who has a very sharp mind, told me she saw pink flowers on the wall where there were none. They would come and go. She has problems with her retina in both eyes, so I brought her to her eye doctor to see if that was the problem. It wasn't. Then I took her to the hospital. She had an MRI to rule out TIA or stroke and all was OK. Her blood pressure was up, but otherwise no symptoms. Just seeing non-existent flowers. After 6 hours in the emergency room, I suggested we test for a urinary tract infection because I remembered that my grandmother had confusion once with a UTI. Bingo! I know it is common and caused by infection and a weakened immmune system, but what is the actual phsiological reason for hallucinations due to urinary tract infection in the elderly? It is strange that she is so aware and yet hallucinating at the saem time. She is as worried as I am.

Mom's herself again!!It,took from Friday's Shot,till mid Sunday.She,remembers me,etc.Iam,so glad.

My mother liked a scrambled egg with toast when she had her bladder infection. It was something I could always depend on her eating. I think she felt pampered with me serving it to her in bed.

Thanks for your replies.I,was told to call Dr.on Monday.Just,like you said.Iam,giving her"Ensure".She,doesn't want to eat.I,sure hope,she's better,by Monday. HUGS

She should have clear urine and beat back the infection by Monday morning. If she is still disoriented by then, call the MD back and get further instructions. Keep her fluid intake UP, to help flush out the system. Monitor her temperature, if she spikes a fever or rapid heartbeat, get to the ER.

My mom too always oral medication and again, about half way through. It seems that a injection would be faster, but have no idea how long.

It may be that many of us here had parents who were treated with oral antibiotics, instead of injection. My mother took SMZ-TMP for about 10 days. If I remember right, she was getting back to herself about halfway through the treatment. I don't know how long it would take if there is an injection that is effective in clearing the infection.