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What Causes Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour In An Elderly?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Question: I am concerned about a XXXXXXX friend. He is in his mid-eighties and was recently accused by a ten year old girl that he groped her in the chest. She told her parents, they believed her without question, and they told many other people, completely behind his back and his wife's. I don't know how to help my friend or his wife or even if I should tell them. There has never been any history of him harming a child in any way. Is there any affliction of old age that might cause my friend to do such? Is he sick? Do I tell them? Do I defend him?
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
possibly not sick

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Looking at the history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Dementia disorders can make elderly lose inhibition. However, they do not do it purposefully in dementia, as they lose all rationale.
2. However, if he had done, what he has been accused of doing, then he would have some amount of dementia set in. He would be doing it at other times too.
3. If you think, he is loosing memory, behaving indifferently to circumstances, loss of words, and unable to manage himself, then we are looking at possible dementia. I think he is not, as his wife or yourself would have noticed.
4. Psychiatric disorders would have been noticed. I strongly doubt any. However, if required you can get a psychiatric opinion.

Not to worry at present and no use getting worried or making others also worried. Look closely, watch for any behavioral change. If nothing, not to worry.

Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour In An Elderly?

Brief Answer: possibly not sick Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Looking at the history and query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Dementia disorders can make elderly lose inhibition. However, they do not do it purposefully in dementia, as they lose all rationale. 2. However, if he had done, what he has been accused of doing, then he would have some amount of dementia set in. He would be doing it at other times too. 3. If you think, he is loosing memory, behaving indifferently to circumstances, loss of words, and unable to manage himself, then we are looking at possible dementia. I think he is not, as his wife or yourself would have noticed. 4. Psychiatric disorders would have been noticed. I strongly doubt any. However, if required you can get a psychiatric opinion. Not to worry at present and no use getting worried or making others also worried. Look closely, watch for any behavioral change. If nothing, not to worry. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM