Sexuality and Alzheimer's Disease and Its Effect on Spousal Caregiving
Sexuality and Alzheimer's Disease and Its Effect on Spousal Caregiving
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Issue Date
1994
Authors
Oshiro, Jan Y.
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Abstract
Extensive research has been done on Alzheimer's disease; however, very little has been reported in the area of sexuality. The purpose of this research is to study the relations among Alzheimer's disease, spousal caregiving, and sexual behavior. Data were collected from two sources: questionnaires distributed in a pilot study conducted in Hawaii and a revised questionnaire distributed in Northern California. The combining of the two studies was justified through comparison of the means of the following variables: age of caregiver, age of spouse, number of years married, number of years caregiving, scores on Knowledge and Attitude scales about sexuality, and rates of affection prior to and since the onset of illness. Participants included 13 male and 21 female spousal caregivers, ranging in age from 49 to 85 years old. The questionnaire was developed to explore caregivers' knowledge and attitudes regarding sexuality and affectional behavior, sexual satisfaction, and frequency of intercourse prior to and since the onset of their spouse's dementia. The more affection shown and the more positive a caregiver's attitude was about sexuality, the greater the frequency of intercourse, both prior to and since the onset of illness. Higher frequencies of intercourse led to higher scores of sexual satisfaction for caregivers, both prior to and since the onset of illness. Thus, in keeping with the decline in frequency of intercourse after the onset of illness, sexual satisfaction declined as well. With more time and resources, the problem of sample size could be remedied. Also, a qualitative study through interviews may provide a personal approach in allowing caregivers to share their experiences.