Sexuality among institutionalized elderly patients with dementia

The subject of sexuality among elderly patients with dementia was examined, focusing on two main aspects: the sexual behaviour of institutionalized el derly people with dementia; and the reactions of other patients, staff and family members to this behaviour. The behaviour was found to be mostly hete rosexual and ranged from love and caring to romance and outright eroticism. Reactions varied, being accepting of love and care but often objecting to erotic behaviour. Understanding of the sexual needs of elderly people shoul d become an integral part of the training and continued education of health care staff, thus helping to resolve conflicts and clarify common misconcep tions.