Monday, 09 September 2019

UTIs and Strokes – Is There a Link?

New research has demonstrated that UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), which are extremely common in the elderly, may be responsible for triggering certain types of stroke. We've got the facts below. 

Symptoms of a UTI

The easiest way to determine if someone is suffering from a UTI is to visit the doctor for a urine test. Having said that, signs that an infection may be present include cloudy or dark-coloured urine, blood in the urine, urine that has a strong or unpleasant odour, and the need to use the toilet more frequently than usual.

As the UTI progresses, your elderly loved one may also develop pelvic pain or pressure, a low-grade fever, burning during urination, and chills.

Confusion is a lesser-known symptom of UTIs in elderly people – a symptom which is often confused as the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease!

Why the Elderly Are Vulnerable to UTIs

The elderly are more vulnerable to developing a UTI because their immune system is far weaker than that of an average-aged adult. In many cases, hygiene also takes a knock as we age, and this can contribute to the potential for infection. Furthermore, both elderly men and women experience a weakening of the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor, often leading to incontinence and an inability to completely empty the bladder, which can encourage bacteria to breed more quickly.

UTIs and Ischemic Stroke

The American Heart Association's journal, ‘Stroke’, claims that urinary tract infections show a strong link with ischemic stroke, which occurs when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow. A study found that a UTI showed three times the increased risk of ischemic stroke within 30 days of infection, compared to any other infection trigger.

"Healthcare providers need to be aware that stroke can be triggered by infections," said Mandip Dhamoon, M.D., Dr.P.H., senior study author and associate professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

The bottom line? Encourage your elderly loved one to drink plenty of water, speak to their live-in companion about their toilet habits, and be sure to get them screened for a UTI regularly– at least every few months – to prevent an increase in their risk of suffering a stroke or a severe kidney infection.  

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