Gaby
In a recent study, American researchers linked the decline in sexual satisfaction among men with future decreases in cognitive skills and memory loss. This marks the first instance where sexual health and satisfaction levels have been associated with cognitive health and performance.
Sexual Satisfaction and Memory in Men Are Interconnected
The researchers did not focus on quantifiable aspects of male sexuality. They did not investigate how often survey participants engaged in sexual activity or how many partners they had over a certain period. Instead, the researchers aimed to understand how men perceive their own sexual lives. They found that a decline in erectile function leads to psychological stress and sexual dissatisfaction, which is also associated with memory deterioration.
As noted by Psychology Today, the researchers examined survey data from over 800 older men to assess whether there is a connection between changes in cognitive abilities and the physical and psychological changes related to sexual capabilities. The ages of the study participants were 56, 61, and 68 years.
Throughout the 12-year study period, the researchers evaluated both erectile function and cognitive performance. They identified a correlation between decreased sexual satisfaction and worsening memory.
Since many men may experience similar situations regarding sex but have different attitudes toward it, the researchers were particularly interested in the mental state of individual participants. They also paid attention to the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction the surveyed men felt about their sexual lives. The researchers then compared how individual levels of sexual satisfaction impacted the cognitive functions of the participants.
Declining Sexual Health in Men Linked to Memory Loss Risk
The study results indicated that lower erectile function at the initial assessment was associated with poor cognitive performance and a rapid decline in memory processing speed over time. However, during the initial evaluation, the researchers also found that baseline sexual satisfaction had no impact on cognitive scores. Only a decrease in sexual satisfaction during the study period was linked to memory deterioration.
While the connection between reduced sexual satisfaction and declining cognitive abilities proved to be strong, the researchers still need to determine the specific cause of this relationship. Nevertheless, they suggest that monitoring erectile function in men as they age could help doctors identify, counsel, and treat those at increased risk of cognitive decline before they reach 70 years old. The researchers also believe that maintaining consistent sexual satisfaction for the preservation of physical and mental health, as well as quality of life for aging men, may be just as important as adhering to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
