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Coping with Disinhibited and Inappropriate Sexual Behavior

Christine Kennard
Christine Kennard
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Christine has many years of experience in private and public sector...

Christine Kennard

Monday, June 16, 2008
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There have been a number of questions on OurAlzheimer's.com about the difficulties of coping with disinhibited and inappropriate sexual behavior exhibited by people with Alzheimer's disease. I thought it might be helpful to try to address some of the issues surrounding this sensitive subject and to g...
  1. medication
    N.C.
    Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 06:31 PM

    Christie,

    Thanks for the post! It helps me a lot. However, I think there are 2 types: one is the "nice" and innocent type and the other is the one that needs medication or help. For now, my father-in-law is back to wanting a wife again as all the ladies didn't seem to work out for him (just his trying although 2 of them are married already.) His home care nurse told me he is getting more self-centered. If he gets worse, he would need to go to a nursing home. Not just about wanting a woman, but also about his demands.

    He is in severe/moderate stage (functional late stage 6.)

     

    Regards,

    Nina

    Reply
    re: medication
    Christine Kennard
    Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM

    Hi Nina

     

    Thanks for your comments. I suppose another thing about seeing a close relative behaving in this way is that it is just so alien to see elders acting in a sexual way. You just do not expect to see it, ever! It can be very difficult as well as sad.

     

    Christine

    Reply
  2. Untitled Comment
    Sue
    Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 02:57 PM

    Thanks Christine for addressing this topic.  I think in most "normal" situations sexuality is a private thing - talking about it, expressing it, etc.  It must be very difficult for a caregiver to watch a loved one with such behaviors.  Imagine having to address this kind of thing with your dad.  Just really frsutrating and embarassing as you say - for both cargiver and loved one. 

     

    So as you say, do not go it aloneFind a team - doctor, nurse, social services center, etc. - who can help manage this.  And follow the advice you've given - it's smart and direct.

     

    All the best, sue

    Reply
    re: Untitled Comment
    N.C.
    Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:17 AM

    Sue, you are right it is hard to watch it. At times we have a sense of humor to make it less bearable. But in the long run, it is not the solution. We only distract the patient so we are not into this subject too much. We do know it is there. When I see it happen to other women (by my father-in-law's intention), I thought it is sad but hilarious. If it happens to me, I get a little more self-defensive and I tend to avoid that.

     

    Thanks,
    Nina

    Reply
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