Relationships, Intimacy & dementia

The findings of this study provide a deeper insight into experiences of sexuality for couples living with Alzheimer’s. Sexuality and intimacy of couples living with Alzheimer’s continues to be an important aspect of the relationship, and in general, the partners wish to have the opportunity to express their sexuality. The construction of a sense of couplehood during the marriage tends to be a significant factor to sustain the changes that arise in the intimate relationship because of the diagnosis. However, despite the growing recognition of the existence and importance of sexuality in later life, persons with Alzheimer’s have only recently starting to be recognized as sexual beings who wish to be heard.
Albert SC, Eduardo Martinelli J, Costa Pessoa MS. Couples living with Alzheimer’s disease talk about sex and intimacy: A phenomenological qualitative study. Dementia. 2023;22(2):390-404.

Lindau, S.T., Dale, W., Feldmeth, G., Gavrilova, N., Langa, K.M., Makelarski, J.A. and Wroblewski, K. (2018), Sexuality and Cognitive Status: A U.S. Nationally Representative Study of Home‐Dwelling Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc, 66: 1902-1910.

A booklet about intimacy, sexuality, and people living in residential aged care.
Bauer, M & Fetherstonhaugh, D (2016), Sexuality and people in residential aged care facilities: A guide for partners and families, La Trobe University, viewed 5 June 2020

Barrett, Catherine & Crameri, Pauline & Lambourne, Sally & Latham, J.R.. (2015). ‘We are still gay…’: the needs of LGBT Australians with dementia. Australian Journal of Dementia Care. 4. 26-30

This information sheet provides information on how to address the intimacy and sexual needs of people with dementia and their partners as dementia progresses.

When a person is living with dementia, their sexual behaviour, needs and desires may change. As their partner, yours may too. Your sex life may have changed, and you might need advice on how to cope with this, as well as how to feel better. Talking about sex and intimacy can help.

This sheet contains information for care staff to support both the sexual and intimacy needs of an LGBTI person with dementia and understand why changes in behaviour may occur if these needs are not being met.

Information booklet about sex, intimacy and dementia by Dementia UK.

An information sheet for people with dementia, their carers and their families. It looks at sexuality and intimacy when someone with dementia is living at home.

An education resource for professionals working within dementia care.

Dementia itself presents different challenges in maintaining intimate and sexual relationships and this resource will explore how those who work with people living with dementia can support the person in maintaining these important relationships. This resource is intended to be used alongside local policy guidance. It provides different ways of thinking about this important area of practice.