A study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, found that erectile problems and low sexual satisfaction in your 50s could be seen as early signs of cognitive decline.
- Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction in their 50s are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline in their 70s.
- The same correlation exists between low sexual satisfaction and memory decline.
- Thus, the researchers believe that spotting erectile dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction in men would help identify those at risk.
Having a breakdown in bed would not just be a little awkward moment shared with his or her partner… It could also – if chronic – be a sign of a higher risk of memory loss after age 70. Indeed, a study from the University of Pennsylvania, published in the journal gerontologistlow sexual satisfaction in midlife may serve as a harbinger of future cognitive decline.
Dementia: problems in bed are linked to decline cognitive
After studying the evolution of erectile and cognitive functions of more than 800 men for 12 years, the researchers revealed that the declines in sexual satisfaction and erectile function recorded in their fifties were correlated with a loss of future memory.
“Sexual health research has historically focused on quantifiable aspects of sexuality such as the number of sexual partners or the frequency of sexual activity”added Riki slaydaythe main author of the works. “What we were interested in was the perception of this activity, how someone feels about their sex life and how that influences cognitive function, because several people can be physically in the same situation but experience completely different levels of satisfaction.“
A clear link between sex life and cognition
“When we mapped the relationship over time, we found that increases or decreases in erectile function and sexual satisfaction were associated with concurrent increases or decreases in cognitive function”added the expert. The correlations the team discovered persisted after adjusting for demographic and health factors: thus, there is a clear link between sex life and cognition.
“Improved sexual satisfaction may actually trigger improved memory function. We tell people they should exercise more and eat better food. And, we show that sexual satisfaction also matters for our overall health and quality of life”confirms co-author Martin Sliwinsky.
Dementia: diagnosing sexual disorders to prevent the risk of cognitive decline
Faced with their results, the scientists believe that erectile dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction are early signs of dementia. Thus, they advocate an improvement in the evaluation and monitoring of erectile function to identify people at risk of cognitive decline before the age of 70.
“Instead of the conversation being about treating erectile dysfunction, we should be looking at it as a leading indicator of other health issues and also focusing on improving sexual satisfaction and overall well-being, not only on the treatment of the symptom”concluded Martin Sliwinski.