What is a typical clinical sign of a urinary tract infection in older adults?

In older adults, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can present atypically compared to younger populations. While younger individuals often show clear physical symptoms, such as fever and pain, older adults may experience more subtle signs, primarily due to the body's altered response to infection.

Changes in mental status is a typical clinical sign of a UTI in older adults. This can manifest as confusion, agitation, or a sudden decline in cognitive function, which is often misconstrued as a natural part of aging or a chronic condition. The physiological changes related to aging can affect how infections present, and mental status changes can be one of the first indicators that something is amiss.

Fever, severe abdominal pain, and frequent urination can also occur, but they tend to be less common or less pronounced in older individuals. These symptoms may not be as reliable for diagnosis as mental status changes, making it essential for healthcare providers to consider cognitive shifts as a significant sign of a UTI in this population. Recognizing this atypical presentation is important for prompt diagnosis and treatment, helping to prevent more serious complications that can arise from untreated UTIs in older adults.