Upcoming Dementia Talk: Sexuality, Intimacy and Dementia (Part Two)

Join us for part two of a two-part series hosted by Winifred Henderson, Senior Educator at Dementia New Zealand, as we navigate the complexities of Sexuality, Intimacy and Dementia with Ashley Roberts (Hammond Innovations, Australia) to dispel myths, discuss strategies and explore the importance of language.

Supporting a person’s sexuality is integral to self-esteem, self-worth and quality of life. In many Western societies, it is considered a fundamental human right. This applies to anyone, young or old, who considers sexuality an important component of their wellbeing and expression, despite what many may think.

This is no different for those living with dementia | mate wareware. Research has shown that supporting sexual, intimate, and affectionate interactions in this population is associated with reduced loneliness and even improved performance on certain cognitive function tests.

Unfortunately, research also tells us that facilitating and maintaining such relationships, especially those that continue into or develop within Residential Aged Care (RAC), are often discouraged or even prohibited. For people living in the community, there are also valid concerns about navigating sexual consent capacity between partners, not to mention changes in sexual behaviour that may accompany dementia.

As we look to support the next generation of people living with dementia – the ‘Baby Boomers’ – the pressure to balance support for their sexual needs and rights with ensuring their protection from abuse will only increase.

For international registrations (outside of New Zealand), please email events@dementia.nz.