Influence of Sexuality on the Health of the Elderly in Process of Dementia: Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: this work sought to inquire on the influence of sexuality on the health of the elderly during dementia. Materials and Methods: this was an integrative review. A careful search was conducted in nine databases; however, only five databases provided articles fulfilling the scope of the study: Medline, Lilacs, BDENF, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS). The health science descriptors (DeCS) were adopted: “sexualidad”, “demencia” and “anciano”, and the descriptors cataloged in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): “sexuality”, “dementia” and “aged”. After applying the inclusion criteria, eight articles were selected to comprise the study sample. Results: the practice of sexuality influences upon the health of the elderly with dementia with some beneficial effects, given that it provides, especially, better perception of quality of life and wellbeing. Nevertheless, it cannot be generalized due to methodological insufficiency evidenced in the studies found to construct this review. Conclusions: due to the limitation of studies addressing the theme and the methodological insufficiency of those included in this review, it is necessary to conduct research that shows in depth the influence of sexuality on this population, given that it can be constituted as another approach for the promotion and protection of health in the elderly with dementia.