The meaning of sexuality for the spouse caregiver of the elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease

Authors

  • Marta Gabriele Santos Sales Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce
  • Tânia Maria de Oliva Menezes Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2017000200009

Keywords:

Nursing, Sexuality, Alzheimer Disease.

Abstract

Objective: to understand the meaning of sexuality for the spouse caregiver of the elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: qualitative study with eight spouses of elderly Alzheimer’s patients by means of semi-structured interviews in households. The content analysis technique was used for systematic analysis of interviews and categorization of statements. Results: two categories were seized: 1. Understanding of sexuality; 2. Meaning of sexuality after the Alzheimer’s disease of the spouse. The testimonials revealed a lack of knowledge about the term “sexuality”, as well as the shame of talking about the subject. Sexuality was present in the lives of some and abolished in the lives of others. Conclusion:there are positive and negative aspects of the impact of the disease on sexuality. They make this population vulnerable to various conflicting situations with the self and with the marital relationship.

Author Biographies

Marta Gabriele Santos Sales, Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce

Enfermeira, mestre em Enfermagem, Residente em enfermagem na atenção a saúde do idoso nas Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce

Tânia Maria de Oliva Menezes, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA

Enfermeira. Doutora em Enfermagem. Professor Adjunto IV da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Líder do NESPI - Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisa do Idoso.

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Published

2017-06-13

How to Cite

Sales, M. G. S., & Menezes, T. M. de O. (2017). The meaning of sexuality for the spouse caregiver of the elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease. Rev Rene, 18(2), 204–211. https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2017000200009

Issue

Section

Research Article

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