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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Exploring Sex-Specific Glial Signatures and Therapeutic Leads for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: May 20, 2024
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Sexuality and the Human Rights of Persons With Dementia
Carmelle Peisah1, Liat Ayalon2, Hilde Verbeek3
1School of Psychiatry, Faculty Medicine & Ageing Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Capacity Australia (CP), Sydney, Australia.
Summary
Barriers to sexuality enjoyment for people with dementia include ageism and consent issues. Education, supported decision-making, and stronger legal rights can help ensure safe and lawful sexual expression.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Rights Law
- Bioethics
Background:
- Enjoyment of sexuality is a fundamental human right, linked to dignity, autonomy, and well-being.
- Persons with dementia often face significant barriers to expressing their sexuality due to societal attitudes and legal complexities.
- Existing frameworks may not adequately address the specific needs and rights of individuals with dementia regarding sexual expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze the barriers hindering the enjoyment of the human right to sexuality for individuals with dementia.
- To propose remedies and strategies for overcoming these barriers and promoting sexual well-being in this population.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of systemic and legal barriers impacting persons with dementia.
- Analysis of the interplay between dementia, human rights, and sexual health.
- Review of current practices in care settings and legal frameworks concerning consent and capacity.
Main Results:
- Systemic barriers include ageism, apathy, and ignorance among care staff, families, and physicians.
- Complex legal challenges related to consent and capacity assessment impede sexual autonomy.
- Lack of adequate education and awareness exacerbates these issues.
Conclusions:
- Addressing barriers requires comprehensive strategies including awareness campaigns and education for all stakeholders.
- Implementing supported decision-making models and dimensional capacity assessments is crucial.
- Strengthening legislative and human rights frameworks is essential to ensure persons with dementia can safely and lawfully enjoy their sexuality.
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