Inappropriate
Sexual Behavior Related with Alzheimer's Disease
Author: Mike Herman
Inappropriate
sexual behavior in a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease
can cause many problems including unwanted advances to an unwilling
partner or harassing a carer.
It
is often assumed that this would only happen with men but women
can also be affected as well. While there is no reason whatsoever
why a loving couple can't continue a full physical relationship
until quite late into the disease, as long as both parties are
happy to do this, as the disabling effects of the Alzheimer's
progresses sexual activity usually declines.
This
can cause frustration and embarrassment as a man may wish to continue
his previous relationship with his wife, but she may be reluctant
to do this. If he doesn't understand the reasons why, it could
become very distressing for him. It can lead to inappropriate
sexual incidents when sexual urges are revealed at unsuitable
times and places. For example, in the later stages of the disease,
the sufferer may make advances to their care givers.
This
can be extremely distressing, especially if they are not used
to dealing with people with this type of dementia. The care givers
themselves often need additional support to enable them to deal
with inappropriate sexual behavior. Other patients may fondle
their genitals in public which can even lead to full masturbation
at inappropriate times and places causing embarrassment for care
givers and other observers.
Keeping
the patient occupied and diverted can be a good method for distracting
them from this behavior as can the selection of appropriate clothing
that can lessen this unwanted activity. Trousers for women and
trousers with no fly opening for men is a dignified way of accomplishing
this.
However
if the sexual behavior rises to an intolerable level for everyone
involved then medical help can be sought from a provider who specialises
in this area. This should naturally be viewed as a last resort
as it may compromise the dignity of the patient.
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