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Sexual Satisfaction in Dementia: Perspectives of Patients and Spouses

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Abstract

Sexual activity in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of sexual activity and satisfaction between patients and their spouses. We studied patients diagnosed with possible or probable AD (n = 36) and their spouses. Both patients and spouses reported sexual dissatisfaction. Common causes of sexual dissatisfaction included erectile dysfunction and lack of female sexual desire. There was a positive relationship between sexual satisfaction and caregiver burden. Men associated sexual dissatisfaction with sadness, and women reported feelings of lack of intimacy and increased anxiety.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Jardim Botânico, 700/513, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, 22461-000, RJ, Brazil

    Marcia Dourado

  2. Foundation for Research from the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Marcia Dourado

  3. Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Jardim Botânico, 700/513, Rio de Janeiro, 22461-000, RJ, Brazil

    Claudia Finamore, Maria Fernanda Barroso, Raquel Santos & Jerson Laks

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  1. Marcia Dourado
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  2. Claudia Finamore
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  3. Maria Fernanda Barroso
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  4. Raquel Santos
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  5. Jerson Laks
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Correspondence to Marcia Dourado.

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Dourado, M., Finamore, C., Barroso, M.F. et al. Sexual Satisfaction in Dementia: Perspectives of Patients and Spouses. Sex Disabil 28, 195–203 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-010-9165-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-010-9165-5

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