Dementia and inappropriate sexual behavior (ISB): What we know and what we need to know

Authors

  • Josep Fabà
  • Feliciano Villar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2013v16iEspecial15p49-68

Keywords:

Dementia, Sexuality, Inappropriate sexual behavior, Sexual behavior, Old age, Hypersexuality

Abstract

Traditionally, there has been no place for sexuality in older age. However, research has shown that sexuality plays an important role in older people’s life, even in situations such as dementia. The goal of the article is to review the scientific literature regarding the inappropriate sexual behavior that these kind of patients might present. In order to do so, we will firstly address the definition of inappropriate sexual behavior or, more precisely, its multiple definitions. After that, we will deal with other issues such as its prevalence, factors that can cause its appearance, its consequences and some of the available therapeutic options. Finally, in the last section some recommendations for future research will be provided, such as the need to clarify the concept of inappropriate sexual behavior, to find more efficient ways to address this problem, and the desirability of considering sexuality as a human dimension with a high adaptive potential in old age.

Author Biographies

Josep Fabà

Psicólogo. Becario del programa de Formación del Profesorado Universitario (FPU). Beca concedida por el Ministerio de Educación, con referencia AP2009-4384. Miembro del Grupo de Investigación en Gerontologia (GIG). Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España (ES).

Feliciano Villar

Psicólogo. Profesor titular de Universidad. Miembro del Grupo de Investigación en Gerontologia (GIG). Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España (ES)

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How to Cite

Fabà, J., & Villar, F. (2013). Dementia and inappropriate sexual behavior (ISB): What we know and what we need to know. Revista Kairós-Gerontologia, 16(Especial15), 49–68. https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2013v16iEspecial15p49-68