What are the Signs of Infection in a Dementia Patient ? Prabhi Sodhi

1. What are the Signs of Infection in a Dementia Patient?

2. Pertaining to the disorder of dementia, patients can display various signs. Sometimes, these signs can occur because of infections developing alongside. Prabhi Sodhi puts forth that the types of infections and their signs can vary. While identifying the exact infection may be difficult for caregivers, they can still speculate about its occurrence. For this, they should be aware of some common symptoms. In the view of the dementia specialist, Mr. Sodhi, with medical assistance, these infections can be managed. To some extent, their prevention is possible as well. • Which Signs Indicate Infection in a Dementia Patient? • When a dementia patient develops an infection, it can be difficult for him or her to identify it. Caregivers can look for certain signs to identify the same. Commonly, fever, pain, and other such symptoms can take place. Even behavioral modifications can occur, pertaining to infections. • More signs and information regarding these are explained as follows: • 1. A State of Confusion • This brain disorder can often create confusion. The same can occur even when an infection develops alongside this disorder. This sign can further involve disorientation. In relation to the time and location of the person, she/he can seem disoriented. Owing to the state of confusion, the person may also make poor judgments. • 2. Changes in Urine • The dementia specialist, Prabhi Sodhi informs that the odor of urine can change and seem unusual during an infection. Furthermore, it can appear to be cloudy. In some cases, the color of urine can look dark. Mr. Sodhi says that some patients may urinate blood too. • 3. Persistence of Fever • The body of an infected dementia patient can turn warm. The temperature can rise unexpectedly. His or her forehead can feel hot. A caregiver can find the patient to shiver. Dry skin and lips are other signs hinting at the occurrence of fever. • 4. Different Types of Pain • Given that a person experiencing this disorder is infected, she/he can undergo different types of pain as well. This can be found when the individual refuses to drink or eat when pain occurs in the respective areas. The person may cry when this pain becomes extreme. • 5. An Affected Appetite • Certain infections can prevent dementia patients from eating or consuming enough fluids. This can be a result of vomiting, nausea, and other such symptoms. Hence, they may not feel healthy enough to eat or drink properly. Even their favorite foods may no longer be enjoyed. • 6. Falling Frequently • Depending on the type of infection occurring, an individual’s muscles can become weak. Such muscles can prevent the person from maintaining balance. This can happen even when basic physical activities are performed. Consequently, he or she can frequently fall.

3. Does Dementia Increase Vulnerability to Infections? • A person suffering from this disorder can be more prone to infections. This is because dementia can weaken the body. It can bring down the levels of immunity. Mr. Sodhi opines that the disorder can harm the areas of the brain too. The central organ of the body can then become less strong to induce protection against infections. • Which Types of Infections can Occur during Dementia? • During this brain disorder, different infections can begin to develop. The dementia specialist, Prabhi Sodhi puts forth that their types can vary and depend on some factors. These can comprise the kind of dementia, the surroundings of a patient, the management of her/his condition, etc. • Some types of infections developing during this disorder are: • ● UTI or urinary tract infection • ● Pneumonia • ● Respiratory infections • ● Infection in the ears or skin • ● Dental infections • What is the Approach to Treating Infections in Dementia? • The approach to treating infections during this disorder essentially comprises the identification of some symptoms. When the family members of a dementia patient speculate the persistence of an infection, they should look for certain signs. They can observe the frequency of these signs to further understand the health condition of the patient. • After speculating on the development of an infection, medical aid should be opted for. Mr. Sodhi explains that dementia specialists will diagnose the infection. Then the treatment will be initiated. It can comprise medication, therapies, and other measures.

4. How to Prevent Infections in Dementia Patients? • As part of the approach to treating infection, it is also important to prevent it. This is particularly vital to follow, given that the infection can occur again. Caregivers can practice certain measures. Even when these are simple to follow, they can majorly help in the prevention of the same. • ● The hygiene of dementia patients should be essentially maintained. • ● Oral hygiene should also be looked after. • ● In case a person is unable to maintain his/her own hygiene, assistance should be given. • ● Mr. Sodhi advises getting the required vaccination to manage the patient’s health. • ● Caregivers need to ensure that good dietary practices are followed. • ● Hydration is another measure that can help prevent infections. • ● Moreover, when the behavior of patients seems unusual, the signs of infection should be checked. • In Summation of the Above • Dementia can make individuals prone to certain infections. But caregivers can identify the same through some signs. Whether physical or behavioral, this identification should be made as soon as possible. Following this, Prabhi Sodhi says that patients should be given treatment. Along with this, preventing infections should be focused on.