Sexuality and the Late Stage Huntington's Disease Patient

Abstract

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an irreversible subcortical dementia resulting in uncontrolled movement; loss of intellectual function; impaired memory, thought, speech and perception; and emotional disturbance. This study assessed sexual interests, needs related to sexuality, and intimacy issues in severely impaired, late stage HD patients through use of structured interviews. Results of interviews of a small population of HD patients residing in a long-term care facility are provided; interviews focused on sexuality issues, patients' perceptions of their intimate and sexual relationships, and their interest in discussing sexuality concerns with staff. Almost half of the patient population displayed an interest in discussing sexuality issues. Interview results indicated the need for caregivers to recognize that patients are sexual beings, with sexual needs, fantasies and wishes. HD patients have the potential to develop feelings of attraction, which must be dealt with in a clear, careful, sensitive manner. Suggestions are offered for ways in which caregiving staff could compensate for the sexual losses, including: providing a private room for a married patient to have intimate time with a spouse; offering sexually-oriented videos or reading materials if the individual wants them; providing romance novels and films; considering the possibility of providing a patient with a means to stimulate himself or herself.