April 15, 2015
A husband in his seventies (click here) is on trial for sexual abuse and could face up to 10 years in jail for having sexual intercourse with his wife, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
A US jury will have to decide whether Donna Lou Rayhons, who died last year, was mentally capable of consenting to sex with her husband, Henry, in a case being closely watched by doctors and dementia charities.
Mr Rayhons, 78, a farmer and prominent Iowa state politician, met his wife singing in a church choir after both had been widowed. They married in 2007; she joined him while he conducted business at the state capitol and they spent their time off beekeeping.
A few years into the marriage, Mrs Rayhons was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and her condition deteriorated rapidly, but the couple continued to have conjugal relations....
This is from the Alheimer's Society:
...Everyone (click here) has the right to express their sexuality without fear of judgement. This is no less the case for people with dementia.
Intimate relationships can take many different forms and sex is not important for everyone. Over time, some partners develop forms of physical intimacy, such as touching, that do not correspond with what they had previously thought of as 'sex'. By keeping an open mind about what 'sex' and 'intimacy' mean for you and your partner, you will be well placed to focus on the pleasurable aspects of your relationship and less worried by the rest....
There is no standard answer. It is how the diagnosis plays out. Just because someone is diagnosed with a mental disorder doesn't mean they have problems with intimacy. There are times when the inhibitions that existed in the relationship can diminish as well. So, the idea this can be put into a category and litigated is a bit odd.
If there were bruises and forceful intent, that is different. That may fall into the category of abuse, but, if there is intercourse it falls into the rape standard. So, while spouses can be confused about their role in the relationship realizing Alzheimer can have an early onset, it is the role of the physician to approach this subject.
The deeply religious couple will have more problems processing this topic. In that case religious ministers and/or priests can provide insight. But, when cognitive disorders set in the relationship will change. The spouse should consider moving on into a relationship they can find their own affections returned in an appropriate way.
None of these circumstances are easy and require professional help from medical doctors and/or religious guidance.
Spouses should not be afraid of their partners to touch and react to their relationship. Quality of life enters the dynamics and whether or not there can be an understanding of pleasure between the two.
The question that comes to mind; does and can intimacy actually act as a therapy to stem the progression of disease? Are the pleasure centers of the brain deeply effected? Are the pleasure centers first to be effected or last? What goes on with the brain in relation to understanding and appreciating pleasure?
April 15, 2015
Sexology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of human sexuality, (click here) including sexual behaviours, interests and function. A sexologist is a trained professional who specialises in human sexuality.
There are many different ways a sexologist may work, and many different areas she may work in - in clinical settings, in education, and in research. Here's the type of couple a clinical sexologist may encounter.
A husband in his seventies (click here) is on trial for sexual abuse and could face up to 10 years in jail for having sexual intercourse with his wife, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
A US jury will have to decide whether Donna Lou Rayhons, who died last year, was mentally capable of consenting to sex with her husband, Henry, in a case being closely watched by doctors and dementia charities.
Mr Rayhons, 78, a farmer and prominent Iowa state politician, met his wife singing in a church choir after both had been widowed. They married in 2007; she joined him while he conducted business at the state capitol and they spent their time off beekeeping.
A few years into the marriage, Mrs Rayhons was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and her condition deteriorated rapidly, but the couple continued to have conjugal relations....
This is from the Alheimer's Society:
...Everyone (click here) has the right to express their sexuality without fear of judgement. This is no less the case for people with dementia.
Intimate relationships can take many different forms and sex is not important for everyone. Over time, some partners develop forms of physical intimacy, such as touching, that do not correspond with what they had previously thought of as 'sex'. By keeping an open mind about what 'sex' and 'intimacy' mean for you and your partner, you will be well placed to focus on the pleasurable aspects of your relationship and less worried by the rest....
There is no standard answer. It is how the diagnosis plays out. Just because someone is diagnosed with a mental disorder doesn't mean they have problems with intimacy. There are times when the inhibitions that existed in the relationship can diminish as well. So, the idea this can be put into a category and litigated is a bit odd.
If there were bruises and forceful intent, that is different. That may fall into the category of abuse, but, if there is intercourse it falls into the rape standard. So, while spouses can be confused about their role in the relationship realizing Alzheimer can have an early onset, it is the role of the physician to approach this subject.
The deeply religious couple will have more problems processing this topic. In that case religious ministers and/or priests can provide insight. But, when cognitive disorders set in the relationship will change. The spouse should consider moving on into a relationship they can find their own affections returned in an appropriate way.
None of these circumstances are easy and require professional help from medical doctors and/or religious guidance.
Spouses should not be afraid of their partners to touch and react to their relationship. Quality of life enters the dynamics and whether or not there can be an understanding of pleasure between the two.
The question that comes to mind; does and can intimacy actually act as a therapy to stem the progression of disease? Are the pleasure centers of the brain deeply effected? Are the pleasure centers first to be effected or last? What goes on with the brain in relation to understanding and appreciating pleasure?
April 15, 2015
Sexology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of human sexuality, (click here) including sexual behaviours, interests and function. A sexologist is a trained professional who specialises in human sexuality.
There are many different ways a sexologist may work, and many different areas she may work in - in clinical settings, in education, and in research. Here's the type of couple a clinical sexologist may encounter.
