Hypersexuality and dementia: dealing with inappropriate sexual expression.

Sexuality is always a difficult and challenging issue for nurses to address with older patients. This is particularly the case in relation to responding to incidents of hypersexuality or inappropriate sexual expression as a result of dementia. Although research suggests that hypersexuality is a rare occurrence, when it happens it has the potential to jeopardize the quality of life of all concerned. The focus of this article is on exploring the literature on hypersexuality in people with dementia in the residential care setting. Information and principles of care are offered that may help nurses respond in a sensitive manner that protects the rights, dignity and autonomy of all concerned.