Is low sexual satisfaction linked to memory decline? Yes, it is true. A new study revealed that low sexual satisfaction in middle age might serve as an early warning sign for future cognitive decline.
In the study, Penn State researchers found that declines in sexual satisfaction and erectile function correlated with future memory loss. They tracked associations between erectile function, sexual satisfaction and cognition in hundreds of men aged 56 through 68.
Gerontologist published the study. The researchers claimed it as the first to longitudinally track sexual satisfaction in tandem with sexual health and cognition.
“What was unique about our approach is that we measured memory function and sexual function at each point in the longitudinal study. So we could look at how they changed together over time,” said co author Martin Sliwinski. The co-author is professor of human development and family studies at Penn State and co-author on the study. “What we found connects to what scientists are beginning to understand about the link between life satisfaction and cognitive performance.”
THE RELATIONSHIP
The study explored the relationship between physical changes like the microvascular changes relevant for erectile function. It looked into psychological changes, such as lower sexual satisfaction, to determine how the changes relate to cognition. They examined the shifts starting in middle age. This was because it represents a transition period where declines in erectile function, cognition and sexual satisfaction begin to emerge.
“Scientists have found that if you have low satisfaction generally, you are at a higher risk for health problems like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease and other stress-related issues that can lead to cognitive decline,” he said. “Improvements in sexual satisfaction may actually spark improvement in memory function. We tell people they should get more exercise and eat better foods. We’re showing that sexual satisfaction also has importance for our health and general quality of life.”
THE METHOD
For the study, the researchers used survey data from 818 men who participated in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Through neuropsychological tests, such as tests of memory and processing speed, they examined cognitive changes of participants over the 12-year span from age 56 to 68. Their erectile function and sexual satisfaction were measured alongside cognition, using the International Index of Erectile Function. The researchers then built a statistical model to understand how the three variables changed as individuals aged.
“Research on sexual health has historically focused on quantifiable facets of sexuality like number of sexual partners or frequency of sexual activity,” said Riki Slayday.
Slayday is a doctoral candidate at Penn State and lead author on the study. “What we were interested in is the perception of that activity, how someone feels about their sex life, and how that influences cognitive function. This is because multiple people could be in the same situation physically but experience completely different levels of satisfaction.”
“When we mapped the relationship over time, we found increases or decreases in erectile function. Sexual satisfaction was associated with concurrent increases or decreases in cognitive function,” Slayday said. “These associations survived adjustment for demographic and health factors. It tells us there is a clear connection between our sex lives and our cognition.”
HELPING FOR TREATMENT
Increasing the assessment and monitoring of erectile function as a vital sign of health may help identify those at risk of cognitive decline before their 70s. The researchers note that the older adult population in the US would double over the next 30 years. This means twice as many people will likely enter their 60s and experience declines in erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
“We already have a pill for treating erectile dysfunction. What we don’t have is an effective treatment for memory loss,” Sliwinski said. “Instead of the conversation being about treating ED, we should see that as a leading indicator for other health problems. The focus sholud be on improving sexual satisfaction and overall well-being, not just treating the symptom.”
