Dementia ,sexaula relationships in restidental care homes for the eldery - Essay Example

The role of social and ethical expectations laid down by the society is a safety net in many instances, but can also be akin to thinking in the box. Various issues in the society have been so marred by negative thinking and opinionated views that now merely discussing them is considered taboo. This may have helped keep some negative issues at bay, but it does not eliminate them, and the importance of looking into the various issues that are affected negatively by such “norms” is an essential need in any civilized society (Sewell, 2001, p. 1). Issues such as sexuality are considered a very private and personal issue, which is frowned upon should it be discussed more openly.

While ethical approach and mannerisms may be an adequate explanation to avoid discussion in these topics, it on the other hand has led to many myths, confusions, and negative ideas about the various issues that pertain to sexuality. This approach towards sexuality and its various issues is very limiting and negative in its effect, for sexuality is among the four primary drives of the human. This drive remains through out life, and the negative reaction displayed against an elder person showing these emotions is another social stigma that has complicated matters greatly (Sewell, 2001, p. 1). More than 90% cases of dementia exhibit behavior problems including sexual inappropriate behavior in the course of their illnesses.

Dementia has become more prevalent in the recent years (Srinivasan and Weinberg, 2001, p. 20). Almost 5% of the patients develop dementia in the ages 65-69 years of age, where as 20% of the patients develop dementia in ages above 85 (Srinivasan and Weinberg, 2001, p. 20). Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, there is still very little awareness in the general population about its challenges and issues, and how to respond to them. Even if dementia is not present, the population is anaware