PATHOPHYSIOLOGY of Dementia and UTI

by | Mar 12, 2023 | Healthcare

 

EB is an 81-year-old female presenting short-term memory loss and confusion at times. We were diagnosed with Dementia, and she has a urinary tract infection secondary to dementia. She’s taking risperidone for her UTI and trazodone.
Could you please do a separate PATHOPHYSIOLOGY of Dementia and UTI?

Note: The Pathophysiology of Admitting Diagnosis must be detailed.

For risk factors, explain why. Like for example, age- why? It must be detailed.

As much as possible, use the Pathophysiology book by Banasik, J.L, but I’m sorry, I don’t have a pdf copy of that book.

 

Sample Solution

Pathophysiology of Dementia: Dementia is a group of cognitive symptoms that are caused by structural, biochemical or metabolic changes in the brain. It is characterized by progressive decline in memory and other cognitive functions such as language and reasoning skills. The exact cause of dementia is not known but it has been linked to various risk factors including age, genetics, exposure to toxins, cardiovascular disease and head trauma.

Sample Solution

Pathophysiology of Dementia: Dementia is a group of cognitive symptoms that are caused by structural, biochemical or metabolic changes in the brain. It is characterized by progressive decline in memory and other cognitive functions such as language and reasoning skills. The exact cause of dementia is not known but it has been linked to various risk factors including age, genetics, exposure to toxins, cardiovascular disease and head trauma.

Structural changes associated with dementia include neuronal loss which results in reduced levels of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) leading to impaired learning & memory . Neurotransmission between neurons also becomes affected as brain cells degenerate due to decreased oxygen supply which can lead to further cognitive deficits. Furthermore , accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques & neurofibrillary tangles have been observed in several cases suggesting that these too may contribute towards development of dementia.

Pathophysiology of UTI: A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enters the urinary system through the urethra and begins multiplying within the bladder wall leading to inflammation and irritation. Symptoms usually include burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy urine etc . Risk factors for developing UTIs include gender (being female ), advancing age , diabetes mellitus , kidney stones , weakened immune system , recent sexual intercourse & use of certain contraceptives like spermicides or diaphragms etc.

In terms of elderly patients like EB who have been diagnosed with dementia , there is an increased likelihood for developing UTIs due to their weakened immunity combined with poor hygiene habits & inability remember when they last used the bathroom ; all these conditions create a favorable environment for bacterial growth leading up infection if left untreated.

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