Urinary tract infection (UTI) is considered a common cause of mental status changes, particularly in elderly patients and patients with a psychiatric condition. Genitourinary symptoms are essential to confirm UTI diagnosis but may be unobtainable in patients with a communication barrier.

Can a urinary tract infection affect the brain?

Home Health Care Specialists Understand Urinary Tract Infections. Infections, including urinary tract infections, can damage nerves and brain cells. That can lead to temporary mental disorientation. The disorientation can be mistaken for the onset of dementia by those unfamiliar with the interaction between it and UTIs ...

Can a UTI change your behavior?

Behavioral changes may include restlessness, hallucination, agitation and confusion. These are just some symptoms of UTI, which can vary from person to person, regardless of factors like age. Certain conditions such as pregnancy, menopause and diabetes can put you at higher risk for a UTI.