Does anyone have experience of UTIs and behaviour changes for those with advanced Parkinson’s?
Yes, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause noticeable changes in behaviour for people with advanced Parkinson’s. Even if someone hasn’t had confusion or significant mood changes before, a UTI can suddenly trigger symptoms like increased confusion, agitation, drowsiness, hallucinations, or sudden decline in mobility. This is not unusual—UTIs can have a much bigger impact on cognition and behaviour in older adults and those with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.
These changes often appear before classic physical UTI symptoms (like pain or fever), so if you notice new or worsening confusion, falls, or sleepiness, it’s a good idea to have the person checked for a possible UTI. Prompt treatment usually helps behaviours return to their usual pattern, but it may take a few days.
If behaviour changes are sudden and unexplained, always contact a healthcare professional for advice. Many in the Parkinson’s community have experienced similar situations, so you’re not alone in managing this.
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Rhea, my husband had a uti infection a few months ago and it took 3 lots of antibiotics to clear it. He also had confusion and extremely tired having to rest in the day and early to bed. He had never had confusion before with past uti’s. He still has confusion but definitely not so bad but the tiredness has stayed. He had a double appt on Friday for checkup. Bloods, blood pressure(which is always low)hemoglobin also low but the main problem is the tiredness. He takes Modopar 50mg/12.5mg 5 a day takes 2@ 6am. 1@ 12noon. 1@5pm.
JesseP sorry to but in but do hope you also get advice.
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I should also add the pharmacist at times sometimes gives Modopar or Co-beneldopa but they have said ‘it doesn’t matter they are both the same’ ???
Is it something that will eventually go away or do we have to live with. Many thanks.
Yes. Pretty much all the time.