Inappropriate sexual behaviour in dementia

Dementia is one of the leading causes of morbidity in the old age population. It is manifested in myriad forms including cognitive deterioration, behavioural symptoms, personality changes, and psychotic symptoms.

This is further compounded by physical morbidities and social difficulties encountered in this age group. That makes the assessment of dementia essentially a multidisciplinary one.

One of the behavioural symptoms encountered in dementia is inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB). Although not so common, it is one of the most difficult behavioural aspects to assess and manage, which causes a great deal of distress particularly in carers, family members, nursing staff and other patients.

In this module we will cover:

• ageing, dementia and sexuality

• the problem and its magnitude

• the aetiology of ISB and its assessment

• non-pharmacological treatment of ISB

• pharmacological treatment of ISB

• ethical issues.

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