can urinary tract infections cause confusion
Confusion or decreased alertness may be the first symptom of a serious illness, particularly in older adults. Health problems that can cause confusion or decreased alertness include: 1  Infections, such as a urinary tract infection, respiratory infection, or sepsis. 2  Alzheimer's disease. 3  Asthma or COPD, which cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen or an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.