2023/04/25 by Gerbild, Helle
paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/g73z9
Abstract Objective: The objective of this scoping review protocol is to identify, present and map existing knowledge on how people with dementia experience and express intimacy and sexuality from the perspectives of people living with dementia and their informal caregivers. Introduction: Throughout life, intimacy and sexuality are central aspects of being human. There is a need to identify, present and map existing knowledge on how people with dementia experience and express intimacy and sexuality. Cognitive impairments may impede the capacity in people with dementia to experience and express intimacy, which may influence quality of life of people with dementia and their partners. Sexual needs of people with dementia are often overlooked by health care professionals. An overview of existing knowledge may inspire healthcare professionals with relevant knowledge regarding this complex phenomenon. Inclusion criteria: This scoping review will include studies from the perspectives of people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Qualitative studies, reviews, and mixed-methods studies published from January 2008 to 2023 regarding how intimacy and sexuality are experienced and expressed in people living with dementia will be included. Methods: The search will be conducted in Medical and Psychological databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), and searches of gray literature will also be conducted databases such as Open AIRE. The search strategy will include the terms dementia, sexuality, intimacy, and related synonyms. The terms will be adapted for each of the included databases and/or information sources.