Hi, My husband has FTD and we are entering in to a phase where sex is the only thing on his mind. This is the second time a phase like this has reared its ugly head. The first time it was just talk - to everyone, this time he wants to bring in other people and even switch parnters. Took him the neurologist (called him first to let him know what was going on) and he wants to try seroquel but must check with his cardiologist first. My husband has only 10% of his heart still working with an ejection rate of about 18%. Are there any meds that does not effect the heart? He is already on aricept (10mg at night) and namenda (10mg twice a day). This site has really been a help and blessing. Thanks
gafs, there are many meds that can be considered for treating hypersexuality, and a lot of them are not the antipsychotics that are sometimes a problem for dementia patients, such as seroquel. In fact, I'm not seeing a whole bunch of evidence that seroquel has been prescribed for this use very often.
I also have a review that is not available for free on the web (although the neuro may be able to pull it), but the author sent me a copy if the neuro would like to read it.
gafs, how long ago was your husband dx'd? When did you first notice symptoms. He hasn't really been interested in sex for a long time. I started noticing symptoms at least 5 yrs ago.
Over ten years ago for us - didn't think my "golden years" would be sexless. Oh well.......... I've gone the route of Victoria's secret, toys, "interesting books" - but just not interested. For years I blamed myself - that I wasn't attractive enough, etc. Why do we do that to ourselves
gafs, I know about the frustration you feel in this regard. My dh w/FTD had symptoms of hypersexuality and inappropriate behavior some months back. Nero put him on Risperdal twice daily. Has done the trick nicely, thank you! I was just about holding it together then. Life is much better w/o "that" raising it's ugly head, if you know what I mean. No one needs to be abused! He is also on Depakote and Paxel along with Namenda and Aricept. Don't be afraid to let the neuro know exactly what's happening. Save your sanity.
gafs, DH has FTD also and had hypersexuality 6 months ago. Appears that the seroquel (not prescribed for hypersexuality but aggression) and neurontin have controlled that behavior in addition to the aggression. When he was in psych hospital, they treated him with Lexapro for the sexual thing.
Phranque - I got the comment. I think the hyper-sexuality is a more sensitive subject for women than men. As they say: women are mental, men are visual. For the women, to have sex with a man that has become more like their child is extremely difficult.
There is a lot of information about spouses feeling as if they were having sex with a child under the discussion topics of sex and intimacy. Do a search at the top of the page - circle "topic", and write in "sex". Quite a few topics will come up. It is a difficult situation for spouses, and one that is rarely discussed, except here. A woman is not turned on by a husband with the emotional and mental capacity of a child, and most men do not want to force themselves on a wife who has become a child.
My husband was diagnosed in 2007, shortly after the heart and diabetes. Had noticed signs before but never thought much about them, just thought it was age. Have talked him out of the threesome but he wants to try his fantasies before he dies. Am calling the doctor again tomorrow and try to get something done. Sunshyne, thanks for the links, will definetly check them out. I try to keep in mind it is the ftd making him act this way but it hurts to think he wants other women. Alzheimers is such a thief. Has stolen my husband, my life pretty much, sometimes my sanity.
Hi I have a question for the group, my husband has been put on Aircept by his Nuro and doing fine with it. I was wondering if there would be better results with Aricept and Namenda. I have read that Namenda might be better for FTD.
brightstar, my husband has FTD and our med school expert on the subject said Namenda is totally worthless for treating it. We stopped it with no apparent bad results.
brightstar-in spite of the black box warnings our FTD spouses seem to do much better on resperadil and seroquel. Good luck with the memory clinic at FSU
Hello gafs, My DH has ftd and was hypersexual. I dealt with all the other behavioral problems but this one made me crazy! The barrage was constant. There were times he didn't even care if our grown children were around. I told a good friend I felt like I was living with a monkey. He was taking Airicept at the time. (with near fatal consequences) He is now on 20mg Lexapro and the change is amazing. He will still reach out for a little feel now and then but I consider that "normal" guy stuff. I have made an informed choice not to treat his ftd. Life is much better now. We once again enjoy sitting close and cuddling. Impossible with the hypersexuality. As a side note, our PCP said the highest funtioning part of DH's brain is the part that controls basic survival. Food, shelter and procreation. Hope you get some relief from your situation soon. cs
gafs...forgot to tell you DH also has CHF. Heart attack, bypass, mitrol valve replacement, implanted device. Ejection rate of 20%. Funny....it didn't slow down his pursuit at all. lol cs