Dementia and Sex: Let’s Talk About It!
According to Dr. Regina Koepp’s blog, a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults between 65-80 years old found that 50.9% of men and 30.8% of women reported being sexually active. Yet, only 17.3% of these adults reported speaking to their health care provider about sexual health in the past two years. Researchers have found that sex among older adults is often viewed as stereotypically “shameful, disgusting, laughable, and nonexistent,” which can lead to internalized stigma and increased sexual problems for older adults. Kim Hegwood and Dr. Koepp will be talking about dementia and sex, and how the two connect.
Kim will ask Dr. Koepp: What inspired your interest in Dementia and Sexual Health? How often are older adults having sex and what are the physical and mental health benefits of an active sex life in older adulthood? In the context of dementia? With dementia, many challenges and risks can arise when it comes to sexual expression, can you share what some of these risks might be? What are some recommendations for those providing care to people living with dementia related to dementia and sexual health?