Urine infections & hypochondria??

keen2108

Registered User
May 24, 2006
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My father died 3 years ago from dementia and many many years before he was diagnosed I knew there was something wrong and pressed his doctor for help but was told that patient confidentiality prevented him stepping in unless my dad took himself to see the doctor. The usual symptoms of forgetfullness and not remembering family information occurred but also things like constantly complaining of urine infections or problems and also listing of a stream of things that were 'so say' wrong with him in his opinion. Every conversation would be that he wasn't good and when pressed as to what specifically was wrong he would say "well you know this and that".

My mother-in-law has worried me for a few years as she started forgetting information about my 4 year old daughter and would ask questions about subjects that we had been discussing a few minutes before but would not recall. It's like something has gone in for her to bring the subjects up but she can't remember any detailed just discussed. She also has complained of urine infections and some have been real and been treated with antibiotics but every conversation reminds me of my dad.

Every time we ask how she is there is a list of problems which aren't apparent to anyone but her. She seems to have lost interest in all hobbies. We all bought her painting and art equipment last October and she attended a one day course but has still to use her paints on year on. She can't get motivated to do anything even though her husband has just retired too. She seems to be wallowing in self pity as did my dad. I don't mean for this to sound horrible but I have mentioned for years that I think there is something wrong to my husband but he doesn't want to approach his dad or his mum. He just says well if it is dementia, nothing can be done about it.

My question is, does anyone know if urinary tract problems and general hypochondria are common problems with people suffering from dementia/alzheimers?
 

Canadian Joanne

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Apr 8, 2005
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Toronto, Canada
Urinary tract infections are very common in patients with dementia.

As for the hypochondria, my personal conjectures are a) that the person with AD knows there is something wrong but not what so starts a litany of complaints or b) use the medical complaints to get out of doing something, which is something my mother did very frequently.
 
Last edited:

jenniferpa

Registered User
Jun 27, 2006
39,442
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I would agree with Joanne. Also, infections of any kind, particularly UTIs, can increase confusion dramatically, so it's a bit "chicken and egg".
 

keen2108

Registered User
May 24, 2006
17
0
Thank You for your replies

Unfortunately this isn't my mother but my husband's. I guess it will be up to him and his sister to make any decisions.

It's just like my dad's situation all over again.
 

Margaret W

Registered User
Apr 28, 2007
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North Derbyshire
Can I throw in another view? Is your mother in law perhaps depressed? You say she has lost interest in things, and doesn't recall things that are very recent. I am the same. I have to say that I am coming to the conclusion that I am depressed. It has taken me a year to consider this, and have as yet sought no help, but your mother in law does seem to share the same symptoms as me. I might be wrong, but it is worth saying.

Of course, I might have the startings of Alzheimers, but I don't feel that is likely right now.

I haven't any urinary infections, but am good at wallowing in self-pity and blaming everything and everyone but myself for how I feel.

Just a thought.

Margaret
 

lesmisralbles

Account Closed
Nov 23, 2007
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Margaret

haven't any urinary infections, but am good at wallowing in self-pity and blaming everything and everyone but myself for how I feel. Quote: Margaret

Join the club.
I know how you feel XX

Barb XX
 

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