Sexual satisfaction in dementia

Authors

  • Marcela Moreira Lima Nogueira Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Denise Brasil Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Maria Fernanda Barroso de Sousa Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Raquel Luiza Santos Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Marcia Cristina Nascimento Dourado Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832013000200005

Keywords:

Dementia, sexual satisfaction, sexuality

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dementia may result on impairment in intimacy and sexuality of elderly couples. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate changes in sexual activity, as well as the factors which cause sexual satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction in couples in which one of the partners has dementia. METHOD: A search at ISI, PubMed/Medline and SciELO was made for articles about sexuality in dementia, from January 1990 to March 2012, using the keywords: "dementia", "sexual satisfaction", "intimacy" and "sexuality". RESULTS: Twelve articles were selected. The burden of care and the change of roles in couples' relationship were the main reasons for decrease of sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction in patients and spouses, the decision-making capacity for sexual relationship from the patient who has dementia and the problems related to age and health (physical and emotional) of spouses and/or patients were considered as reasons associated with sexual dissatisfaction. DISCUSSION: When one partner has dementia, the couples' intimacy and sexual activity are negatively influenced by the relationship of care related to the disease and by the spouse's burden. On the other hand, sexual activity may be positively replaced by displays of affection and empathy between the couple.

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Published

2013-01-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Review

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Sexual satisfaction in dementia. (2013). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 40(2), 77-80. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832013000200005