Gayle Doll, director of Kansas State University's Center on Aging, says there are ways to give nursing home residents privacy for sexual expression -- either alone or with a partner.

Doll says that because nursing home staff don't receive education in this area, they tend to either ignore or condemn sexual needs.

Majka Jankowiak and Laci Cornelison, research assistants at the Center on Aging, surveyed the staff before and after a workshop they presented. The surveys, as well as anecdotal feedback from the participants, showed a marked change in attitudes.

"Part of it is that American society is not supportive of older people and sex. It's been a taboo and it's an even bigger taboo in nursing homes," Jankowiak says in a statement.

"After the presentation, the participants felt more confident talking about it and dealing with sexual expression of residents."

However, Alzheimer's and dementia raise questions about the ability to consent and these conditions also may spur sexual behavior that's inappropriate, the researchers say.

The research was presented at the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging conference.