Alzheimer’s disease and sexual behaviour

Inappropriate sexual behaviour in a person suffering from Alzheimers disease can cause problems on occasion. There is no reason whatsoever why a couple can't continue a loving relationship until quite late into the disease as long as both parties are happy to this. However as the Alzheimer's disease progresses and the sufferer becomes more disabled, sexual activity usually naturally declines.

There can be inappropriate sexual incidents when sexual urges are revealed at unsuitable times and places. This is often assumed to happen to men only, but women can also display this type of characteristic.

It can be both tiresome and embarrassing. A man may wish to continue his previous relationship with his wife, but she is now reluctant to do this. If he doesn't understand the reasons why, it could become very distressing for him.

In the later stages of the disease, the sufferer may make advances to their carers. This can be distressing for the carer especially if they are not used to dealing with people with this type of dementia. The carers themselves often need full support to enable them to deal with inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Other problems associated with inappropriate sexual behaviour and alzheimer's sufferers includes fondling of their genitals/private parts. This can lead to full masturbation at inappropriate times and places which again can be very upsetting and embarrassing for carers and other observers.

Keeping the alzheimer's sufferer occupied and diverted can be a good method for distracting them from this behaviour. However the sufferer should also be checked for signs of irritation or infection, as they may be simply scratching or rubbing at a place that is causing them some discomfort.

Appropriate clothing can lesson the activities of inappropriate masturbation or exposure of genitals. Trousers for women and trousers with no fly opening for men is a dignified way of accomplishing this.

However if the sexual behaviour rises to an intolerable level for the carers or family, and the dignity of the alzheimer's sufferer is compromised, then medication from a health care provider who specialises in this type of behaviour can be obtained. This of course should only be done as a last resort.

Alzheimer's Disease Guide

Alzheimers Disease
History of Alzheimer's Disease
Types of Dementia
Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease
Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Memory loss in Alzheimers disease
Disorientation and Alzheimers Disease
Disorientation and Alzheimers disease in the home
Alzheimers Disease and Personality
Alzheimer’s disease and Communication
Alzheimer’s disease and sexual behaviour
Alzheimers disease and Risk
Sleep and Alzheimer Disease
Malnutrition and Alzheimer’s disease


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