Has sexual behavior changed with Alzheimer's disease? (Alzheimer's & Sexual Behavior) Let's talk about this

Is your beloved mother, father, or spouse suffering from Alzheimer's disease? If so, you may have noticed some unusual and disturbing changes in their behavior. You may be very worried about sudden changes in behavior, especially regarding sex. You may be feeling very stressed out because of things like taking off their clothes in front of others, saying inappropriate words, or touching yourself or others inappropriately. Remember, you are not the only one facing this problem. This is a condition that many people experience. So let's talk about it openly and understandingly.

Why is this really happening?

When we see these behaviors, our first feelings are anger and shame. But the most important thing we need to understand is that this is not the person's fault . These behaviors occur as a direct result of the damage to the brain caused by Alzheimer's disease. When the parts of the brain that think logically and understand social norms are damaged, they become unable to control their emotions.

Simply put, this unusual sexual behavior is not always a sexual need. It could be a sign of another need or discomfort that they can't put into words.

• Pain or discomfort: It could be something like pain somewhere in the body, discomfort in the clothes you are wearing, skin irritation, or eczema.
• Other physical needs: They may need to go to the bathroom. If they can't say it clearly, they may try to undress.
• Confusion: This behavior can also be caused by confusion about where they are and who they are with.
• Loneliness and need for affection: If they feel lonely, need something like love, affection, or a cuddle, the way they express it may change.
• Boredom: You can do these things to get attention even when you have nothing to do.
• Some medications: Some medications can cause increased sexual desire or aggressive behavior as side effects.

How should we behave in different situations?

The most important thing in such situations is to remain calm and patient. Let's look at the table below to see how to deal with different situations.

What to do if the patient becomes aggressive?

Sometimes, when he doesn't get what he wants or when you try to stop him, he may yell, scold, push, or even hit you.

• If he becomes aggressive, stay away from him and let him calm down.
• If the situation is out of control and you feel like you are in danger, call your doctor immediately.
• Lock up and store dangerous items at home, such as knives, scissors, glassware, and heavy objects.
• Unless it's in danger of harming yourself or him, don't try to forcefully grab him and stop him. That could make the situation worse.

What can we do to prevent problems from occurring?

There are several things we can try to prevent these behaviors before they occur.

• Maintain a consistent routine: Since major life changes (e.g. moving house, changing caregivers) can be confusing for them, keep their daily routine as consistent as possible.
• Give loving touch: Every human being needs affection. Throughout the day, things like holding hands, stroking their backs, and gently hugging them can help them feel calm.
• Keep them busy: Things like looking through old photo albums, playing simple board games, and going for walks together can help reduce the problems caused by being alone.
• Identify and avoid triggers: Pay close attention to what happens before these behaviors occur. Perhaps a certain TV show, person, or sound triggers these behaviors. Avoid those things.
• Allow for privacy: Things like masturbation may be the only way for someone with Alzheimer's to find pleasure or satisfy their sexual desires. If they are doing it privately and without harming anyone, it's best to ignore it.

You are human too. When dealing with things like this, you can feel stressed, sad, and angry. Don't keep those feelings bottled up inside. Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Also, if you can join a support group with other people who are going through similar problems, that will be a great source of strength for you. Ask your doctor about this.

Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Sexual Behavior, Elderly Care, Mental Health, Patient Care