Author(s): Gila Bronner
Human sexuality is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of health and quality of life. Regardless of age and health status, the need for intimacy, affectionate relationship and sexual satisfaction does not fade away. Dementia has a major impact on various dimensions of sexuality. Normal and inappropriate sexual behaviours, as well as the need for physical and emotional closeness are distressing for patients with dementia as well as their spouses, family members, caregivers and healthcare providers. Management of these sexual expressions demands a comprehensiveevaluation, and can be treated by non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. When sexual expressions are displayed, multidisciplinary professional collaboration may contribute to better assessment, lead to better intervention and may reduce stress among people with dementia as well as their families and healthcare providers.
