Alzheimer's disease affects the sexual behavior of people in varying ways. One person may have increased interest in sex, while another may have no interest. Some people forget the social rules and etiquette that they have learned over their lifetime, and behave inappropriately. Other people may appear to be acting in a sexual way, but are in fact acting out feelings that are not related to their sexuality.

Sally came home to find that Joe was sitting on the porch in plain view of the street with nothing on except his hat.

Fred noticed that Ann was constantly unbuttoning her blouse.

Jane saw that Allan often unzipped his pants.

In all of these cases, what looked like sexual behavior was not sexual. Each person had other reasons for doing what they were doing.

Joe was on the porch without clothes because it was a very hot day, and he was trying to cool down.

Ann was unbuttoning her blouse because her bra was very uncomfortable.

Allan was unzipping his pants because he had to go to the bathroom.

When these types of incidents occur, the caretaker should look for a reason behind the behavior. Remember that the person has "forgotten" the socially appropriate ways to get her needs met.

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Bob fondles himself in public.

Joan makes bold sexual advances to a stranger.

An unfortunate part of the brain damage that occurs with Alzheimer's can be the loss of learned social manners and rules.

Bob fondled himself because it felt good, and Joan made bold sexual advances to a stranger because he reminded her of her former husband, or because she was attracted to him.

When incidents like these occur, it's best to distract the person, and gently lead them to a private place. Trying to "teach" the person with Alzheimer's that his behavior is "wrong" will usually cause a negative reaction.

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Sometimes a person may become unreasonably jealous and suspicious. For example, the person may think that his wife has a boyfriend, and accuse her of going to see him.

Don't waste time arguing, instead, try to distract the person with another activity or reassure him with a hug or touch. Give the person plenty of physical contact in the form of stroking, patting, hugging and rubbing. In many cases the person is anxious and needs reassurance through touch and gentle loving communication.

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Physical illness may cause the person to lose interest in sex or make sexual intercourse difficult or painful. Reactions to medications may also reduce sexual desire.

Depression can reduce interest in sex, both by the person with dementia and their spouse or partner. Some caregivers report that they experience changes in sexual feelings toward their partner after providing daily care taking actions. By understanding these factors, and recognizing that they may affect you and the person with Alzheimer's you will be able to respond better to the sexual needs of the person with AD. React to your spouse with patience and gentleness. Give them plenty of physical contact in the form of hugging, stroking, or patting. In many cases, he or she may simply be anxious and need reassurance through touch and gentle, loving communication.

Source: This information is based on materials prepared by the National Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.

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