Impact of Sexuality in Patients With Motor Neuron Disease

Sexuality is a relevant yet understudied aspect in people living with motor neuron disease (MND). This study aimed to assess whether sexuality in people with MND is influenced by motor, cognitive, behavioral, or mood disturbances, and to explore whether being sexually active impacts caregiver burden.

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving participants with MND and their primary caregivers from three ALS multidisciplinary units in Seville, Spain. Data were collected between October 2018 and July 2021. Functional, cognitive, behavioral, and mood assessments were conducted. Sexuality was evaluated through sex-specific questionnaires. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview.

Among 66 participants who completed the sexuality assessment, 42.9% reported sexual activity in the previous month. Of these, 70% had no sexual dysfunction, while 26.7% had moderate and 3.3% severe dysfunction. No correlation was found between sexual activity and motor function. Sexual activity was less frequent in participants with apathy (p = 0.026), depression (p = 0.021), and frontotemporal dementia (p = 0.013). Among sexually active patients, those with cognitive impairment-particularly memory dysfunction-had higher rates of orgasm difficulties (p = 0.019). No other clinical parameters were related to sexuality. Sexuality of participants with MND did not influence caregiver burden.

Sexuality in MND is more associated with cognitive and mood factors than with motor disability. Addressing sexuality in clinical practice may contribute to improving quality of life and should be integrated into the multidisciplinary care of MND patients.