Urinary Tract Infection, Constipation Can Cause Alzheimer's Dysfunction

DALLAS - Family Practice News:

Before resorting to medications to control agitation and other behavioral manifestations of advancing Alzheimer's disease, make sure the patient doesn't simply have constipation or a urinary tract infection, Dr. William H. Coleman advised at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Urinary tract infection is in fact the number-one cause of delirium in patients with Alzheimer's disease. And constipation isn't far behind, added Dr. Coleman, professor of family medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and in private practice in Scottsboro, Ala.

"Constipation is something we don't always think about or look for. Patients don't know how to handle that uncomfortable sensation, so they become confused and agitated," explained Dr. Coleman, a past president of the AAFP.

"Also rule out nongastrointestinal medical conditions that can affect personality before turning to the antipsychotic "big guns" to control behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's. Have your family member's physician check that electrolytes, thyroid, and blood sugars are normal," he said. "Do not fall into the trap of saying that anything my Alzheimer's patient is doing, they're doing because of their Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Coleman advised.

The WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is available to assist caregivers on a number of topics. Please feel free to contact them at (716) 626-0600.

For more information regarding the programs and services offered by ElderWood Senior Care, please contact (716) 633-3900.