In a groundbreaking scientific study, researchers have explored the relationship between sexual satisfaction, memory decline, and the risk of dementia in men. The findings suggest that declining levels of sexual satisfaction and an increased incidence of erectile dysfunction during middle age may be potential risk factors for age-related memory decline and the development of dementia.
These compelling findings, expected to make waves in the scientific community, come as other researchers report further evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of poor diets on memory loss and dementia risk, particularly in older individuals.
In the study examining sexual satisfaction, researchers from San Diego State University, Penna State, the University of California San Diego, and Boston University conducted a comprehensive 12-year study involving more than 800 men aged 56 to 68.
Both studies contribute to the growing body of knowledge surrounding lifestyle modifications that can potentially lower the risk of developing dementia—a devastating and fatal disease that already affects six million Americans and is projected to rise significantly with the aging population.
Recent news revealed that former first lady Rosalynn Carter, now 95 years old, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the most prevalent form of dementia. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, and available treatments have limited efficacy. However, scientists now believe that certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
These include engaging in physical exercise, even simple activities like walking, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming natural unprocessed foods, and avoiding processed junk. Additionally, sustaining an active social life in old age, engaging in brain exercises, and practicing meditation may also contribute to lowering dementia risk.
They propose that cardiovascular issues and compromised blood flow could be underlying causes of both erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual activity, and declining memory.
In the study examining sexual satisfaction, researchers from San Diego State University, Penna State, the University of California San Diego, and Boston University conducted a comprehensive 12-year study involving more than 800 men aged 56 to 68.
The results indicated that individuals who reported a decline in sexual satisfaction over the study period exhibited poorer performance on various standardized memory tests. Similarly, participants who experienced a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction also demonstrated worse memory test results.
Moreover, those whose incidence of erectile dysfunction increased throughout the study also exhibited memory decline. The researchers state in the latest issue of the medical journal the Gerontologist, “Decreases in erectile function and sexual satisfaction were both associated with memory decline.” They further suggest that decreasing sexual health may indicate an increased risk of cognitive decline.
However, the researchers have yet to determine the precise causative relationship between declining sexual satisfaction and memory decline. Multiple connections between the two factors are being considered.
They propose that cardiovascular issues and compromised blood flow could be underlying causes of both erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual activity, and declining memory. Furthermore, declining sexual satisfaction may be indicative of a broader decline in overall happiness and life satisfaction, which has been associated with an elevated risk of memory decline. Notably, this study exclusively focused on men.
Simultaneously, medical researchers at Columbia and Harvard medical schools have highlighted the impact of poor diets, particularly those lacking flavonols found in fruits and vegetables, as an additional risk factor for memory decline and dementia. Their three-year study involving 3,600 older adults revealed that participants with low levels of flavonols in their diets experienced memory performance improvements when provided with daily flavonol supplements.
The researchers report, “The flavanol intervention restored memory among participants in lower tertiles of habitual diet quality or habitual flavanol consumption. Increases in the flavanol biomarker over the course of the trial were associated with improving memory.”
Their three-year study involving 3,600 older adults revealed that participants with low levels of flavonols in their diets experienced memory performance improvements when provided with daily flavonol supplements.
These groundbreaking studies contribute significant insights into the complex factors influencing memory decline and the risk of dementia. While further research is required to establish definitive causality, these findings provide valuable information to guide preventive measures and interventions aimed at mitigating the risks associated with age-related memory decline and dementia.
