Couples living with Alzheimer’s disease talk about sex and intimacy: A phenomenological qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives

To obtain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of sexuality within the couple relationship when one of the partners has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. This study aimed to listen to the voices of both partners, and to investigate how their intimate relationship has been impacted by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach, and the method used was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data was collected based on interviews with six couples, where one of the spouses had a mild to moderate Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and a detailed analysis of each interview was performed.

Findings

From the detailed analysis of the transcribed interviews, six main themes emerged: Sexual expression today; Alzheimer’s and sexuality; desire to be a sexual being; different sexualities; sense of couplehood; and uncertain future.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide a deeper insight into experiences of sexuality for couples living with Alzheimer’s. Sexuality and intimacy of couples living with Alzheimer’s continues to be an important aspect of the relationship, and in general, the partners wish to have the opportunity to express their sexuality. The construction of a sense of couplehood during the marriage tends to be a significant factor to sustain the changes that arise in the intimate relationship because of the diagnosis. However, despite the growing recognition of the existence and importance of sexuality in later life, persons with Alzheimer’s have only recently starting to be recognized as sexual beings who wish to be heard.