We all need a sense of closeness in our lives. We need intimacy, like a caring touch, someone who understands and a sense of comfort in our relationships. Sex, including physical closeness, intimate touch and kissing, is another very natural, human need. Dementia can change the way you feel about sex and intimacy. It can change what you need and want, and how strongly you feel about it.
It can also change the way you behave. These changes can be very upsetting. It might be hard to do, but talking with your loved ones or discussing it with a professional can help. It can affect the way you feel about yourself, your partner, and intimacy and sex. Depression, and some medications, can reduce your interest in sex.
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If you think this is happening, talk to your doctor about your options. If your partner has dementia, you might find the condition causes their relationship with you to change.
They might become sexually demanding, sometimes at unexpected times or in inappropriate places. Or they might lose interest in a physical relationship. Your sexual interest in your partner might also change, particularly as your caring role increases. You might want to reduce your sexual engagement with them, or you might not want sex with them at all.
If your partner is behaving inappropriately, or you feel uncomfortable, there are a few things you can try:. For more on inappropriate sexual behaviour, see our Disinhibition page. This is very normal, but there are some things you can do to look after yourself:.
