by Jeffrey Kurz for My Record Journal

Though he’s about to turn 87 and has health troubles of his own, Olegario Traverso is determined to continue taking care of his wife, who for at least the past five years has suffered from dementia. For the most part, Traverso shoulders the responsibility of her care on his own, but he knows it’s time to seek help when she shows signs of an infection.

“Every time I suspect she has an infection I call the doctor and she prescribes antibiotics,” said Traverso, a Meriden resident.

The connection between dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease, and urinary tract infections is not as widely understood as it probably should be, said Dr. Rajesh Tampi, director of psychiatry for Masonicare. The link between dementia and urinary tract infections was made nearly 20 years ago, and while general awareness is improving, “it should be better,” said Tampi.