Episode 32

Sex, Intimacy & Dementia: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know | With Maggie Syme, PhD

Published on: 2nd May, 2022

In this rewind episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Maggie Syme, licensed psychologist and Project Director at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research, about one of the most overlooked topics in dementia care: sexual wellness and intimacy. Together, they unpack how intimacy changes with aging and dementia, the challenges caregivers face, and why it’s essential to honor this part of life with compassion and openness.

👤 Meet Dr. Maggie Syme, PhD, MPH:

Maggie Syme, PhD, MPH, is a licensed psychologist and Project Director at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research. She specializes in sexual wellness for older adults, with a focus on reducing stigma, supporting caregivers, and helping families navigate intimacy throughout the dementia journey.


📌 Topics Discussed:

  • How sexual relationships change during the course of dementia progression
  • Practical ways to maintain intimacy and connection for both caregivers and people living with dementia
  • Recognizing and navigating consent when awareness fluctuates
  • Understanding and responding to inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISB)
  • The impact of stigma, ageism, and cultural attitudes on sexual wellness
  • How long-term care settings can (and should) support intimacy
  • Why grieving changes is important—and how caregivers can still embrace new ways of connecting


⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Maggie Syme

06:30 – How generational and cultural beliefs shape intimacy in aging

15:45 – Biological and psychological factors that affect sexual wellness

28:10 – Navigating intimacy and consent with dementia

41:20 – Responding to inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISB)

54:00 – Supporting intimacy in long-term care facilities

1:05:00 – Grieving change and redefining connection


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • Sexuality and intimacy remain important throughout aging and dementia.
  • Consent in dementia care requires close attention to behavioral cues and a willingness to pause when needed.
  • Intimacy is broader than sex—it can include cuddling, touch, and emotional connection.
  • Caregivers deserve validation for their own needs and can explore new ways to honor them.
  • Reducing stigma around sex and aging helps families create more supportive, compassionate care plans.


📚 Resources Mentioned

National Institute on Aging – Sex and dementia articles

Alzheimer’s Association – Changes in Sexuality and Intimacy

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Resident rights and advocacy


🤝 Connect with Dr. Maggie Syme

Currently at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research

National Institute on Aging (sex and dementia articles)

Alzheimer's Association: Changes in Sexuality and Intimacy


🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: facebook.com/LifeonRepeatPodcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com


If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit. Every share helps us build a stronger caregiving community where no one feels alone. 💜

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About the Podcast

Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
A Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
Life on Repeat is the podcast for dementia caregivers who need a breath, a laugh, and a lifeline.

Hosted by eldercare consultant and dementia coach Laura Vaillancourt, each episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and honest conversations to help you navigate the caregiving journey with more clarity and less overwhelm.

Whether you're a spouse, adult child, or long-distance caregiver, this show is your companion through the complex world of dementia care—offering wisdom, validation, and encouragement every step of the way.

You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And this podcast is here to walk beside you.

About your host

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Laura Vaillancourt

Laura has a unique perspective of dementia. She grew up spending time in the nursing home wing of the hospital her mother worked at in a rural community in the Pacific Northwest. She learned from a young age the importance and impact that connecting with those that have memory impairment can have. This early exposure shaped her perspective and fostered her passion and love of working with those who experience and live with dementia.

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and Eldercare Coach. She owns a group practice that specializes in serving the aging population and she has extensive experience as a consultant providing counseling, coaching and care management to families that are in the midst of making difficult decisions related to their loved one’s care and health transitions.

Laura's passion and professional experience has been working with individuals and family members that have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. She is a passionate speaker and educator on topics related to dementia and caregiving. She is the host of Life on Repeat: a Dementia Caregiver Podcast.