Sexual Problems of Healthy and Dementic Elderly in Korea

Objectives: The aging process can influence sexual functions by physiological, pathological, behavioral and psychosocial changes. Studies on sex among elderly are scarce. However, sexual activities remain throughout life in different forms. The aim of this study was to identify sexual problems and dysfunctions among dementia patients and compare with healthy aged persons. Methods: The sexual problems and affecting factors were evaluated by structured interview and sexual problem screening instruments for 46 dementia patients according to DSM-IV and 60 healthy Koreans aged over 60. Results: 1) Frequency of erection was less than once a day in 68.0% of controls, while more than once a day in 47.6% of dementia. Trouble in attaining erection was found in 50.0% of dementia as compared with 65.4% of controls. Awake with erection was less than once a week in 37.8% of controls, while less than once a week in 22.2% and more than once a week in 10.0% of dementia. Maintaining erection was better in controls (92.0%) as compared with dementia (55.0%)(pactivity). Satisfaction in sex life (41.7%), partner’s satisfaction (31.8%), satisfaction with partner (45.5%) and men’s interest in sex decline with age (54.5%) were higher in dementia (p