In the following article, Anne Fargusson, RN, a member of the Persons with FTD Advisory Council, writes about intimacy and FTD.

Intimacy can be an uncomfortable word. Years ago, when my husband and I were in premarital counseling, the therapist referred to it as “conjugation.” At the time, I had no idea what he meant; I just knew it was something I shouldn’t ask about. But intimacy and sex are important for all couples to talk about from time to time. And if one half of a couple is diagnosed with FTD, these conversations are even more important.

There are several ways FTD can affect intimacy. Apathy and a lack of empathy are common symptoms of FTD, and both can significantly interfere with a couple’s sex life. Another disruption can result if the partner of the person with FTD feels uncomfortable or turned off by the idea of intimacy, because they feel they are no longer the same person. Intimate encounters can decrease in both quality and frequency following an FTD diagnosis, leading to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.

On the other side of the coin, persons with FTD may become preoccupied with sexuality. Once, at an AFTD Meet & Greet in my area, I met a gentleman who kept giving me hugs and attention. When his mortified wife tried to explain his behavior to me, I told her that I had FTD too, so I already understood, and she shouldn’t worry about it. She then went outside to get some fresh air.

If persons with FTD are sexually preoccupied and still can use a computer, there will most likely be pornography on it. That’s because the disease is affecting their brain’s ability to control their inhibitions. In fact, hypersexuality and inappropriate sexual behaviors can be among the first FTD symptoms to develop.

If you have FTD and are married or in a long-term relationship, here are some intimacy tips that may help:

In 2014, AFTD published an issue of Partners in FTD Care focused on sexual behavior and FTD – click the button below to read that issue.