UTIs and Delirium: Understanding the Connection

The reason why urinary tract infections cause delirium is not completely understood. Urinary tract infections may cause certain substances to enter the brain and disrupt normal cognition.

Cause

• A variety of conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, poor response to medications and alcohol withdrawal may cause delirium; however, according to MayoClinic.com, the exact mind and body mechanisms that cause delirium are unclear.

UTI

• A urinary tract infection, which may be referred to as a UTI, is a general term for any infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include frequent urination and a painful burning sensation during urination.

Delirium

• Delirium refers to a sudden onset on symptoms such as an inability to focus or pay attention, confusion, disorientation, behavioral disturbances and hallucinations.

Cytokines

• According to eMedicine.medscape.com, cytokines, which are proteins that regulate communication between cells and are released in response to infection, may play a role in causing delirium.

Blood-Brain Barrier

• According to eMedicine.medscape.com, a disruption of the blood-brain barrier may admit neurotoxins and cytokines that cause inflammation into the brain causing delirium.