Expert: Paula Damgaard - 6/9/2009

Question
My mothers behaviour over the last several years has become increasingly bizarre. Could a urinary infection be the cause? I thought she may have the beginings of Alzheimers and her site manager though she may have mental health problems. She suffers from bad lower back pain and abdominal discomfort and urinates excessivly. Her behaviour is unrational i.e. taking all the leaves or a plant so that they woulnt kill the flowers.

Answer
Bev, if she has had a urinary tract infection over the last several years she would probably have died by now.  Generally when elderly women have UTI's they do not have lower back pain or abdominal discomfort.  Alzheimer's patients do have change in their behaviors though.

If you mother has not been worked up for Alzheimer's disease I would suggest that you do this sooner rather than later.  I would also have her urine tested to see what is going on with her.  It sounds like she needs a good thorough physical and neurological exam.  I would not rely on the opinion of a site manager.  

Having her properly diagnosed will help you to be a better caregiver and to give her the best quality of life she can have.

Good luck and I hope you find the answers soon!  Paula