ABSTRACT
Traditionally, there has been no place for sexuality in older age. However, research has shown that sexuality plays an important role in older peoples life, even in situations such as dementia. The goal of the article is to review the scientific literature regarding the inappropriate sexual behavior that these kind of patients might present. In order to do so, we will firstly address the definition of inappropriate sexual behavior or, more precisely, its multiple definitions. After that, we will deal with other issues such as its prevalence, factors that can cause its appearance, its consequences and some of the available therapeutic options. Finally, in the last section some recommendations for future research will be provided, such as the need to clarify the concept of inappropriate sexual behavior, to find more efficient ways to address this problem, and the desirability of considering sexuality as a human dimension with a high adaptive potential in old age.
La vejez es una etapa del ciclo vital en la que, tradicionalmente, no tênia cabida la sexualidad. No obstante, la investigación mostrado que la sexualidad desempeña un importante papel en la vida de los mayores, incluso en situaciones comola demencia. El objetivo del artículo es revisar la literatura científica en relación a los comportamientos sexualmente inapropiados (CSI) que este tipo de pacientes pueden manifestar. Para ello, se abordará, en primer lugar, la cuestión de su definición o, más bien dicho, de sus múltiples definiciones, y luego se ahondará en otros aspectos tales como su prevalencia, los posibles factores que pueden desencadenarlos, sus consecuencias, y algunas de las alternativas terapéuticas de las que se dispone. Finalmente, en el último apartado ofreceremos algunas recomendaciones para investigación futura, como son la necesidad de solventar la ambigüedad que gira alrededor del concepto de CSI y de encontrar las formas más eficientes de abordar terapéuticamente esta problemática, así como la conveniencia de considerar la sexualidad como una dimensión humana con un gran potencial adaptativo en la vejez.
Subject(s)
Humans , Aged , Aged , Dementia , SexualityABSTRACT
This case report highlights the issue of hypersexuality in persons with dementia and outlines the possible etiology and challenges associated with interventions of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia. Methods: We report a 75-year-old male with vascular dementia who developed hypersexuality and aggression towards his wife. The management plans are elaborated in this paper. Results: A combination of pharmacological and psychosocial intervention lead to the resolution of his inappropriate sexual behavior and improvement in his relationships with his wife and children. Conclusion: Inappropriate sexual behaviors need to be recognized and managed without compromising the fulfillment of the human’s basic need of sexuality.
ABSTRACT
La vejez es una etapa del ciclo vital en la que, tradicionalmente, no tenía cabida la sexualidad. No obstante, la investigación mostrado que la sexualidad desempeña un importante papel en la vida de los mayores, incluso en situaciones como la demencia. El objetivo del artículo es revisar la literatura científica en relación a los comportamientos sexualmente inapropiados (CSI) que este tipo de pacientes pueden manifestar. Para ello, se abordará, en primer lugar, la cuestión de su definición o, más bien dicho, de sus múltiples definiciones, y luego se ahondará en otros aspectos tales como su prevalencia, los posibles factores que pueden desencadenarlos, sus consecuencias, y algunas de las alternativas terapéuticas de las que se dispone. Finalmente, en el último apartado ofreceremos algunas recomendaciones para investigación futura, como son la necesidad de solventar la ambigüedad que gira alrededor del concepto de CSI y de encontrar las formas más eficientes de abordar terapéuticamente esta problemática, así como la conveniencia de considerar la sexualidad como una dimensión humana con un gran potencial adaptativo en la vejez...
Traditionally, there has been no place for sexuality in older age. However, research has shown that sexuality plays an important role in older peoples life, even in situations such as dementia. The goal of the article is to review the scientific literature regarding the inappropriate sexual behavior that these kind of patients might present. In order to do so, we will firstly address the definition of inappropriate sexual behavior or, more precisely, its multiple definitions. After that, we will deal with other issues such as its prevalence, factors that can cause its appearance, its consequences and some of the available therapeutic options. Finally, in the last section some recommendations for future research will be provided, such as the need to clarify the concept of inappropriate sexual behavior, to find more efficient ways to address this problem, and the desirability of considering sexuality as a human dimension with a high potential for adaptation in old age...
Subject(s)
Humans , Aged , Aged , Dementia , Sexual Behavior , SexualityABSTRACT
Research about Inappropriate Sexual Behavior (ISB) among patients with dementia is not abundant although its impact on patients and carers can be significant. There are many reasons for this relative neglect. In particular, notable is a problem encountered in the inconsistency of definition and assessment of ISB as well as stigma of sexuality in patients with dementia. This article reviews the literature concerning sexually inappropriate behavior in demented patients. Behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches are explored and the recommendations and guidelines offered by other researchers are described.
Subject(s)
Humans , Caregivers , Dementia , Sexual Behavior , SexualityABSTRACT
Research about Inappropriate Sexual Behavior (ISB) among patients with dementia is not abundant although its impact on patients and carers can be significant. There are many reasons for this relative neglect. In particular, notable is a problem encountered in the inconsistency of definition and assessment of ISB as well as stigma of sexuality in patients with dementia. This article reviews the literature concerning sexually inappropriate behavior in demented patients. Behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches are explored and the recommendations and guidelines offered by other researchers are described.