Portraying Love Beyond Limits: A Guide to Intimacy and Parkinson's
Sexual encounters and intimacy in relation to Parkinson's disease explored
In a thoughtful discourse, sex therapist Gila Bronner and Nurse Consultant Norna Moore, both hailing from Tel Aviv, have shared insights on the crux of intimacy for those battling Parkinson's.
This series, divided into four heartfelt articles, uncovers the importance of love, connection, and intimacy, providing a four-step practical guide to foster stronger relationships.
Fostering Love and Connection
In the first article, our experts accentuate the necessity of intimacy, often a forgotten aspect, in relationships. They advise partners to invest quality time together, encourage solitude for relaxation, commit to intimate moments devoid of sexual pressure, and prioritize sexual time when both are ready.
"Couples need these four elements, even if some time passes without realising all four of them," they express, emphasizing that intimacy is essential in relationships.
Speaking Up: Communicate with Professionals
In the second installment, Gila and Orna stress the significance of discussing any issues related to intimacy with healthcare professionals. As they explain, many Parkinson's-related sexual dysfunctions may go unnoticed, and seeking professional help can clarify the causes and provide potential solutions.
"A loving relationship includes encouragement of intimacy, sensuality, companionship, and friendship...continued knowledge and understanding about the effects that one's health conditions, medications, and treatment have on sexuality and functioning," they note.
Caring for Caregivers: Balancing Needs
In the third article, our experts discuss the challenges faced by caregivers in relationships and offer practical advice to ensure both partners' wellbeing. Solutions include respecting each other's needs for personal time and space, maintaining open communication, and showing appreciation through small, meaningful gestures.
They acknowledge the dual roles faced by caregivers, "spouses and care-partners frequently face contradictory roles" and highlight the importance of finding a balance.
Intimacy in Young Onset Parkinson's
In the final article, Gila and Orna address the unique challenges faced by young adults living with Parkinson's. They encourage openness, honesty, and seeking professional help when needed to maintain a fulfilling sexual relationship.
"Young people with Parkinson's experience the disease differently. They are coping with its various symptoms while also being in the middle of life challenges," they point out.
Supporting Those Affected by Parkinson's
Orna Moore, a nurse consultant specializing in families with neurodegenerative diseases, and Gila Bronner, a sex therapist for sexual rehabilitation, offer valuable insights into maintaining intimacy in relationships while navigating the complicated journey of Parkinson's disease.
While specific practical guides from Norna and Gila might not be detailed in the enrichment documents, broader advice on sexual dysfunction and intimacy can be adapted for relationships affected by health conditions like Parkinson's disease. Strategies like open communication, professional counseling, enhancing arousal and intimacy, and managing symptoms can aid in maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.
As always, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals to understand individual needs and challenges better.
- Gila Bronner and Nurse Consultant Norna Moore, experts in their fields, highlight the importance of intimacy, particularly in relationships affected by Parkinson's, suggesting quality time, relaxation, and prioritizing sexual time.
- Recognizing that Parkinson's-related sexual dysfunctions may go unnoticed, Gila and Orna stress the importance of discussing intimacy-related issues with healthcare professionals for potential solutions.
- In addressing the challenges faced by caregivers, our experts suggest respecting each other's needs for personal time, maintaining open communication, and expressing appreciation to ensure both partners' wellbeing.
- In the final article, Gila and Orna address the unique challenges faced by young adults with Parkinson's, advocating for openness, honesty, and seeking professional help to maintain a fulfilling sexual relationship.
- By offering insights into maintaining intimacy in relationships while navigating Parkinson's disease, Norna Moore (nurse consultant for families with neurodegenerative diseases) and Gila Bronner (sex therapist for sexual rehabilitation) provide valuable guidance on strategies like open communication, professional counseling, enhancing arousal and intimacy, and managing symptoms for relationships affected by health conditions like Parkinson's disease.
