Are Gerontological Nurses Ready for the Expression of Sexuality by Individuals With Dementia? (Editorial)

Abstract

Education prepares gerontological nurses to assess, treat, and care for older adults and their families. However, it is not clear whether they are prepared for what has been described by the media as a future tsunami of older adults with dementia (Russell, 2015). In 2015, approximately 46.8 million individuals 60 and older had dementia and, alongside population aging, this figure is expected to double every 20 years (Alzheimer's Disease International, 2015). With no imminent cure in sight, a significant nursing focus has been on improving quality of life of individuals with dementia through a person-centered approach to symptom management within a supportive living environment. However, an often-neglected aspect of dementia care, and one that gerontological nurses may be less prepared for, is the sexual health and expression of sexuality by older adults, as ageist perceptions continue to promote older adults as being asexual (Bauer, Haesler, & Fetherstonhaugh, 2016).