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Hi, my name is Helen and I am sole carer for my husband who has a rare and rapid onset form of dementia. Fortunately, I am strong and fit and am managing with his double incontinence, mood swings and generally disruptive behaviour. What I am struggling with though, and I can’t find mention of this anywhere, is how I’m supposed to cope with the lack of intimacy and sexual activity this has led to. Yes, I can masturbate and get a variety of toys to support this, however, that doesn’t replace the skin on skin contact of a caress for instance. I miss the unplanned impromptu sex, the tender moments, of being passionately kissed and of simply being cuddled. I feel like I will never get these times again and to say I miss them is understatement. I try not to think about it and keep myself so busy that it’s all I can do to fall asleep as soon as my head touches my pillow. However, there are moments when my mind wanders and I think of all I’ve lost and it makes me cry. How does everyone else cope?