Understanding the Relationship Between Alzheimer's and Sexuality

Alzheimer's disease is often associated with memory loss and impaired thinking, with less attention paid to the sexual behavior of patients. However, the reality is that Alzheimer's disease may cause inappropriate changes in sexual behavior of the affected person, ranging from loss of intimacy to overly sexual behavior, which have the potential to affect the most intimate of relationships.  Spouses and partners find such changes quite challenging. They must understand that such behavior is not an intentional choice of their partner; rather, the result of the disease. As a result, they should be willing to adjust their attitudes and actions to ensure their partner feels comfortable and they are able to maintain a sense of intimacy.

Traditional Behavior of Alzheimer's & Sexuality

The act of sexual disinhibition (Disinhibition Wiki Page) or lack of intimacy can be attributed to the progressive degeneration of brain tissue, protein buildup in the brain, or damage to the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes that affects your ability to control responses. The causes of Alzheimer's are still being investigated, though the disease more commonly affects the elderly. However, it is not a natural result of aging.In the early stage of the disease, while some individuals may continue to remain sexually active and enjoy the intimate moments, others may be affected by emotional distress, causing feelings of inadequacy or resentment and sexual withdrawal.Those suffering from Alzheimer's symptoms often show inappropriate behavior, such as:

• Indulging in jealous accusations that their partner is seeing another person and having an affair.

• Forgetting social etiquette and making bold sexual advances or masturbation in public.

• Use of vulgar or obscene language.

• Undressing in public.

Other Alzheimer's symptoms may include:

• Loss of recent memories.

• Change in the level of energy (Testosterone Levels and Body Weight).

• Withdrawal from social life.

• Alzheimer's & sexuality Increasing problems with language.

• Problem understanding others.

• Problem with coordination.

• Dramatic mood swings.

• Rambling speech.

• Sleep disturbances.

• Hallucinations.

• Confusion about the past and present.

• Having delusions.

• Loss of sexual interest (The Usual Suspect: These Kill Your Sex Life) or intimacy.

Alzheimer's & Sexuality: How Can Partners Help

Alzheimer's is the sixth primary cause of death in the United States. It requires enormous adjustment on the part of the family and friends of the affected person to make the latter feel comfortable at all times.

• Avoid becoming angry at the patient.

• Adjust to changes in both physical and emotional relationship (Sexuality and Spirituality).

• Redefine sexual intimacy.

• Emphasize the value of your relationship.

• Be affectionate and understand that the end of sexual relations (Healthy Sexual Relationship) isn’t the end of intimacy.

• Consult a healthcare professional to discuss sexually aggressive behaviors.

• Use distraction to other activities in the event of inappropriate sexual advances.

• Gently tell them that they are showing inappropriate behavior.

While there is still no cure for Alzheimer's, medications, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotic, can treat some of the Alzheimer's symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.