About this Research Topic

Background

Intimacy and sexuality expressions are a natural and important aspect of human life, and it is no different for individuals living with dementia. However, dementia can bring new challenges to these expressions, such as changes in sexual identity, orientation, and disposition; communication difficulties; and increased vulnerability due to cognitive impairments. Moreover, the stigma surrounding sexuality in older adults, sexual diversity, care environments, as well as the general lack of knowledge and training among caregivers, can lead to neglect or inappropriate handling of intimacy and sexuality matters in dementia care. Understanding the effects of dementia on intimacy and sexuality is important, and it necessitates the development of care strategies that support individuals with dementia to express their intimate and sexual needs in a respectful and dignified manner.

The goal of this Research Topic on “Navigating Intimacy & Sexuality in the Context of Dementia” is to increase our understanding of the impact of dementia on sexual expression and intimate relationships and to develop effective approaches for supporting these expressions in a respectful and dignified manner in care environments. By exploring the expression of intimacy and sexuality; attitudes and stigmas; individual and organizational practices and interventions; caregivers’ education, training, and support; sexual rights and advocacy, this Research Topic aims to advance the field of sexuality and dementia research, provide insights into the intimate sexual needs of individuals with dementia, and inform the development of approaches for dignified and respectful care in care environments.

We welcome the submission of any type of manuscript supported by the journal (including original research, review articles, case studies, expert opinions, etc.) pertaining to, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Expression of intimacy and sexuality by individuals with dementia, including changes in sexual identity, orientation, and disposition; communication difficulties; physical limitations, etc.
• Attitudes (including stigmas) toward intimacy and sexuality in older adults, including those with dementia, and the impact of these attitudes on care provision.
• Influence of organizational factors shaping attitudes of residential care staff toward the sexuality of residents with dementia.
• Practices and interventions designed to support the sexual expression of individuals with dementia, including psychosocial and pharmacological approaches.
• Education, training, and support of formal and informal caregivers in addressing matters of intimacy and sexuality in dementia care, including ways to recognize and respond to the intimate and sexual needs of individuals with dementia.
• Sexual rights of and advocacy for individuals with dementia, including efforts to protect their sexual expression and autonomy.
• Dignified and respectful care for individuals with dementia, including creating supportive environments that prioritize privacy, autonomy, and respect for their preferences.

Keywords: sexuality, dementia, care, older people

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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