How
Relationships Change
Alzheimer's disease does not change the need for love and affection,
but it changes many aspects of a relationship.
You
may lose the companionship of someone who has been close
and important to you. It will be necessary to find different
ways to express your feelings.
Alzheimer's disease can also affect the sexual
relationship of partners.
It can change a person's interest in sex: either increasing
or decreasing it. This may create a problem. For example,
the person may put demands on her partner for more sex
than is wanted.
The
physical ability to have sex is also affected. Both men
and women can have trouble if the disease has made them
unco-ordinated. For a man, the inability to have an erection
can be a problem. This can be quite distressing; both
partners may need comfort and reassurance.
A
person with Alzheimer's disease may be overly affectionate
at the wrong time or place. This can be embarrassing.
If this happens, explain the disease and its effects
to the people involved so that they will understand.
If
any problems with your relationship become difficult
to handle, discuss them with someone. You could talk
with a family member, a friend, the people in a support
group, or with a professional. Problems with relationships
are common as spouses (or adult children and their parent)
take on new roles. Support and understanding from others
can make a difference.
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