As we confront the challenges associated with aging, the importance of maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly apparent. While nutrition, physical activity, and mental engagement are commonly recognized as essential for memory preservation, new research indicates that an active sex life might also be crucial. Regular sexual activity not only fosters emotional closeness and enhances physical health but may also lead to improved cognitive abilities in later years.

The connection between sexual activity and cognitive function

Regular sexual activity may be advantageous to the brain, especially for older persons, according to recent studies. Several variables can be linked to this connection:

  • Increased blood flow: engaging in sexual activity encourages blood flow, which is essential for providing the brain with nutrition and oxygen. Overall cognitive performance can be improved, and new brain cell proliferation can be supported by this increased circulation.

  • Neurotransmitter release: engaging in sexual activity may stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth of new ones, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

  • Stress reduction: sexual engagement has a major calming effect on stress levels. Reduced stress is associated with lower cortisol levels, which are connected to adverse effects on memory and cognitive function when cortisol levels are raised.

  • Physical exercise: engaging in sexual activity can serve as a type of physical exercise that promotes brain health. Frequent exercise has been demonstrated to prevent cognitive deterioration, boost mood, and improve memory.

Intimacy and emotional connection are just as important to the advantages of sexual engagement as the physical components. A sense of comfort and well-being that is fostered by emotional intimacy can promote mental health and cognitive function. A healthier brain is a result of the psychological advantages of intimacy, which include elevated self-worth and diminished feelings of isolation.

Lead researcher Dr. Hayley Wright from Coventry University's Centre for Research in Psychology, Behavior, and Achievement expressed a desire to explore the biological mechanisms that might explain the association between sexual activity and cognitive function. The importance of challenging societal perceptions regarding the sexual lives of older adults and understanding the broader implications of sexual activity on their health and well-being was highlighted. The study ventured into how biological factors, such as hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, might influence cognitive function in older individuals.1

A study conducted by researchers at Penn State found that low sexual satisfaction in middle-aged individuals could be an early indicator of future cognitive decline. The research linked decreases in erectile function and sexual enjoyment to potential memory issues, analyzing the connections among these factors in hundreds of men aged 56 to 68.

The study revealed that reductions in erectile function and sexual satisfaction were linked to a decline in memory. The researchers suggest that this indicates a relationship between psychological and physical health.2

The relationship between sexual activity and cognitive health has garnered attention in recent years, with emerging studies suggesting that a healthy sex life may play a role in preserving memory and overall brain function as we age. This connection is rooted in a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to both sexual health and cognitive longevity.

Psychologically, a fulfilling sex life can contribute to improved mental health. Sexual intimacy often fosters emotional closeness and reduces stress, both of which are essential for maintaining cognitive function. High levels of stress and anxiety have been associated with memory impairment and a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By contrast, individuals who enjoy a satisfying sexual relationship may experience lower levels of stress and enhanced emotional well-being, both of which can support better memory retention and cognitive resilience.

Socially, a healthy sex life often correlates with strong interpersonal relationships and social engagement. Staying connected with partners and maintaining a vibrant social life can enhance cognitive health, as social interaction is known to stimulate mental processes and promote neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Engaging in meaningful relationships, including sexual ones, can provide mental stimulation that is crucial for keeping the mind sharp.

The cognitive abilities of participants were assessed using an official scoring system that evaluates various elements such as attention, memory, language, conceptual thinking, calculations, and orientation. In their analysis of the study data, sociologists Shannon Shena from Hope College and Hui Liub from Purdue University discovered that sexual activity is associated with improved brain health across all age groups studied, although the connections manifest in slightly different ways.

For individuals aged 75 to 90, the frequency of sexual activity was particularly significant, with those engaging in sex at least once a week demonstrating notably better cognitive function five years later. Conversely, for adults between the ages of 62 and 74, the quality of sexual experiences—encompassing both physical and emotional dimensions—was found to be the most crucial factor for maintaining brain health in the future.3

The researchers discovered that there was no connection between men's self-reported sexual satisfaction at the beginning of the study and their initial cognitive abilities. However, men who experienced a decline in their sexual activity over the years often showed a corresponding decline in memory. Additionally, those who reported issues with erectile dysfunction generally exhibited poorer cognitive function both at the start and throughout the duration of the study.4

While estrogen levels have been linked to improved episodic memory performance, this correlation has not been consistently observed across all human studies. For instance, when comparing estradiol-matched females and males, females still outperformed males in episodic memory tasks, indicating that circulating estradiol is not the sole factor contributing to sex differences in this area. Furthermore, the presence of similar circulating estradiol levels does not guarantee that estrogen receptor expression is the same in both sexes. Additionally, superior performance by females in verbal episodic tasks has been noted even before they reach sexual maturity, such as during preschool years, suggesting that sex differences are probably not solely attributed to sex hormones. 5

The link between sexual activity and the hippocampus is important because memory related to words primarily relies on this brain region, while facial recognition memory depends on the structures surrounding the hippocampus rather than the hippocampus itself.

As a result, the researchers from McGill University concluded that their findings were particularly relevant to hippocampus-dependent memory. They suggested that neurogenesis is more pronounced in women who engage in penile-vaginal intercourse more frequently, which aligns with earlier studies conducted on animals. 6

The endorphins released during sexual activity promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, which can facilitate easier sleep and contribute to a more restful night. Sufficient sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall brain health.

Incorporating regular sexual activity into one’s routine can lead to improved sleep quality, allowing individuals to wake up feeling rejuvenated. Better sleep patterns can enhance cognitive abilities and mental clarity during the day. Therefore, maintaining a healthy sex life not only boosts emotional well-being but also improves sleep, helping to ensure optimal brain function. 7

In conclusion, while the notion that a healthy sex life could preserve memory later in life may seem unconventional, the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors provides a compelling argument. By promoting physical health, reducing stress, and fostering social connections, sexual activity can be a vital component in the preservation of cognitive function. As research continues to uncover the complexities of this relationship, it becomes increasingly clear that prioritizing a healthy sex life may be an important step toward maintaining memory and cognitive vitality in the later stages of life.

Article written by Dr. Thiago Freire and Farjana Najneen.

References

1 University of Oxford. (2017, June 23). An active sex life improves brain power in older adults.
2 Pennsylvania State University. (2023, February 20). Low sexual satisfaction linked to memory decline in later life, study finds.
3 Cassella, C. (2023, October 13). Sex appears to protect brain health in older adults, scientists say. ScienceAlert.
4 Cara, E. (2023, June 1). A bad sex life just might affect your aging brain’s health. Gizmodo.
5 Loprinzi PD, Frith E. The Role of Sex in Memory Function: Considerations and Recommendations in the Context of Exercise. J Clin Med. 2018
6 Hippocampus. 2006;16(3):233-238.
7 Discovery Commons. (2023, November 21). How can maintaining a healthy sex life boost your aging brain health? Discovery Commons by Discovery Senior Living.