Abstract
Sexuality constitutes an inseparable aspect of human life, strongly influenced and affected by the social environment. Similarly,
it plays a crucial role on how people assess themselves and relate to others. Elderly sexual needs are similar to those of
younger people, but may vary in frequency, intensity and expression. Sexual activity may show fluctuations across lifespan,
gradually declining with age; however, it is not uncommon for a significant percent of elderly to remain sexually active.
As for patients with dementia, there is either an increase or even a decline in sexual desire, which means less sexual activity
especially in cases of severe cognitive dysfunction. Often sexuality in patients with dementia may arise as Inappropriate
Sexual Behavior (ISB) due to behavioral disinhibition which is a common pattern of the disease. The present review examines
sexual function and behavior in patients with dementia considering a number of aspects including but not limited to possible
causes and interpretations, its associated anatomy, neurochemistry, pathophysiology and treatment.
it plays a crucial role on how people assess themselves and relate to others. Elderly sexual needs are similar to those of
younger people, but may vary in frequency, intensity and expression. Sexual activity may show fluctuations across lifespan,
gradually declining with age; however, it is not uncommon for a significant percent of elderly to remain sexually active.
As for patients with dementia, there is either an increase or even a decline in sexual desire, which means less sexual activity
especially in cases of severe cognitive dysfunction. Often sexuality in patients with dementia may arise as Inappropriate
Sexual Behavior (ISB) due to behavioral disinhibition which is a common pattern of the disease. The present review examines
sexual function and behavior in patients with dementia considering a number of aspects including but not limited to possible
causes and interpretations, its associated anatomy, neurochemistry, pathophysiology and treatment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-010-9187-z
- Authors
- Marianna S. Tsatali, 3rd Department of Neurology, Greek Alzheimer Association, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Magda N. Tsolaki, 3rd Department of Neurology, Greek Alzheimer Association, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Tessa P. Christodoulou, 164 Konstantinou Karamanli Avenue, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Vasileios T. Papaliagkas, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044