ASOCIACION DE ALZHEIMER DE PUERTO RICO
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Edif. Santurce Medical Mall E-Mail: alzheimerpr@alzheimerpr.org |
Alzheimer's Disease |
SEXUALITY
All human beings need love, caressing and comprehension. This necessity is very important for Alzhemer patients and caregivers. Alzheimer's disease affects people in different ways. Some people can have a great interest in sex while others not at all. The changes in sexuality include the following:
Daring Behavior.
The patient may forget their marital status and start to make inappropriate insinuations to persons of the opposite sex.
Exhibitionism.
The person could forget how to dress himself or herself, or take off their clothes in an inappropriate place. For example, a woman or a man could take off her blouse or his shirt simply because it is too tight and they feel uncomfortable. The person does not realize or understand that clothes should not be removed in public places.
Sexual Acts.
The person could forget certain social rules and begin to touch themselves and their personal parts in public. Even though it may seem that the person is trying to embarrass or cause anxiety to the rest of us, really he doesn't understand that his behavior is inappropriate.
Paranoia
The patient can become intolerably jealous and suspicious without reason. For example, he could think that his/her spouse has a boyfriend or girlfriend and accuse them of going to see them.
Mal Interpretations.
The patient could make sexual insinuations to a stranger that looks like a previous partner. Also, the patient could forget that they are married and approach another person in a sexual way.
Physical Illness.
A physical illness could cause loss of interest in sex, or make the sexual act difficult or painful. The reactions to medications could also reduce sexual desire.
Depression.
Depression could reduce interest in sex for both partners. Some caregivers report changes in their sexual feelings toward their partner due to all the attention daily caregiving requires.
Understanding these factors, and recognizing that they can affect you and the person with Alzheimer's disease, will enable you to respond better to the sexual needs of the person by doing the following:
STEPS TO FOLLOW
Look for the Causes of their Behavior.
Remember that if a patient manifests a sexual attitude, it could be simply that they want to use the restroom. If the person starts to take off their clothes, possibly they want to go to sleep.
React gently and with patience. If the person starts an unusual sexual behavior, carefully remind them that their behavior is inappropriate. Right away, take them to a private place or try to distract them with another activity. However, be careful not to become angry with the person, or laugh at their behavior. In the majority of cases, anger and ridicule cause negative reactions.
Respond Carefully to Threats and Accusations.
If the accusation level of the person becomes extremely suspicious, don't waste time arguing. Instead, try to distract the person with another activity and give them confidence with a hug or a touch.
Adjust the Patient's Clothing.
Consider putting clothing on backwards, or providing them with pants without a closure or sport clothing.
Caressing and Assurance.
Being close by, touching and hugging is very important for a person with Alzheimer's disease. In many occasions, the person is anxious and needs assurance through gentle and loving communication.
Adjust to the Changes in Sexual Behavior.
As the Alzheimer's disease progresses, a couple could choose to sleep apart. Especially if the patient becomes very bothersome, jealous or irrational.
Look for Professional Help to Manage Sexual Problems.
Consult with your physician about sexual problems and let him know the nature of the Alzheimer's situation and talk about those sexual subjects openly.
Please send any suggestion, comment or problem to
alzheimerpr@alzheimerpr.org
