Elderly people are prone to getting UTIs for several reasons. Those with dementia or in long-term care facilities are especially susceptible to UTIs. Here are some reasons why:
Catheter use. A catheter is a tube placed in the bladder to drain urine from the body when someone cannot completely empty their bladder on their own. Having this foreign body in the bladder can be a source of infection.
Dementia. Older adults with dementia may not be able to clearly communicate what they’re feeling, so a UTI may go unnoticed at first.
Dehydration. If the person isn’t drinking enough water, they don’t produce enough urine. Consequently, bacteria won’t get flushed out of the urinary tract. Dehydration can mimic or worsen existing dementia.
Diabetes. Sugar may be present in the urine due to poorly controlled diabetes. Certain types of diabetes medicines may promote the growth of bacteria.
Incomplete bladder emptying. This may be a result of enlarged prostate in men, urethral stricture, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurologic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spina bifida also may cause incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Poor hygiene. If the genital area is not clean, a UTI can develop.
Urinary or fecal incontinence. Frequent incontinence leads to more bacteria in the genital area. People wearing adult incontinence briefs are vulnerable to infection if they are not promptly cleaned up and changed on a regular basis.
Weakened immune system. An older adult’s immune system may not be able to fight off the bacteria.