"It was my hope in bringing this case to the forum that some discussion about how we would want this in our own situations might occur, not so much whether the exact particulars of this case warrant legal intervention.[/QUOTE]"
My hope too for this thread. You started what has the potential of having a lot of good ideas from people that are of similar age. Touch is the first sense we acquire. If touch is a language, it's something we take for granted. Just because I have dementia I would hope my children would still give me hugs or my grandchildren hold my hand. Even in late stages of dementia you are encouraged to touch.
I become more confused with the thought of intimacy that is an important part to many marriages or relationships. That importance wouldn't diminish for the person without dementia. But, how do you know what the person wants with dementia? How can a person put into their living will what they want, not knowing how their mind will work when many brain cells are no longer working?
Because I have had a wonderful relationship for many years, I think if I were diagnosed with early unset dementia, I would want to continue all levels of intimacy that I have with friends, relatives, and husband. Each is different. For me, and only my opinion, as a result of this thread, if I find I am in early stage of any form of dementia, I will note intimacy may continue at all levels with those that have been close to me for many years.
Having seen late stage dementia, I can't imagine sexual intimacy being of pleasure to the person without the disease and we don't know what the person with the disease is thinking.
Only my opinion. Would love to see other peoples thoughts, but it may be too personal to express. That is ok too.
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