Dementia; Sexual Behavior; Behavioral Symptom
Dementia; Sexual Behavior; Behavioral Symptoms;
Hypersexuality, a psychological and behavioral symptom of dementia, remains understudied despite its high negative impact on patient quality of life and caregiver burden. The findings in the literature are inconsistent regarding its prevalence and associated factors. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypersexuality in patients with dementia, describe associated factors, and qualitatively report the most common presentations, treatments, and evidence of clinical response. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study collected data from semi-structured charts of dementia patients who were followed up at a secondary care reference center between 2015 and 2019. Results: Of 552 total patients, 52 (9.3%) were hypersexual, which was associated with male sex (p < 0.000; OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.73-5.01), frontotemporal dementia (p < 0.007), alcohol use (p < 0.015; OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.73) tobacco use (p < 0.000; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.61-5.13), and semi-dependence/independence in basic activities of daily living (n = 0.041). Conclusions: Although our findings were, to a great extent, similar to the literature, their significant variability reflects the limited and low quality of the available evidence and a lack of standardization regarding terminology, definitions, and diagnostic criteria for hypersexuality. Further studies in different settings with specific instruments validated for hypersexuality could contribute to a better characterization of this challenging behavio