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Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in Dementia

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Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Abstract

Among behavioral changes in the context of cognitive decline and dementia, those related to sexual behavior may be the most disturbing. Their management is a challenge for caregivers (either informal or formal), general staff, and clinicians. The aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of inappropriate sexual behaviors in the context of dementia. These behaviors may not only be symptoms of the neurodegenerative disorder but also of medical comorbidities. Psychosocial factors (including previous personality and the environment) must also be considered. Clinical examples are given to illustrate some of the issues raised in this chapter.

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Abbreviations

AD:

Alzheimer’s disease

FTD:

Frontotemporal dementia

IPA:

International Psychogeriatric Association

ISB:

Inappropriate sexual behaviors

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

SSRI:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

VD:

Vascular dementia

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Correspondence to Ana Verdelho .

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Verdelho, A., Gonçalves-Pereira, M. (2017). Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in Dementia. In: Verdelho, A., Gonçalves-Pereira, M. (eds) Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Neurological Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39138-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39138-0_11

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