Memory, age and sex
Older people who often have sex and feel emotionally close to their partner, as a rule, do better on memory tests than their peers who do not lead an active sexual life. But this fact is noted only with a short period of observation. According to the results of a study by Mark Allen and his colleagues from the University of Wollongong in Australia, which involved more than 6,000 people over the age of 50, there is no difference in cognitive abilities in the long term, depending on the intensity of sexual activity.
Age–related changes in cognitive functions, including memory and intelligence, can range from mild disorders to severe - senile dementia. The factors influencing the rate of their appearance in one way or another have been established: the level of education, the presence or absence of bad habits, physical activity and others. Previously, it was believed that having sex also affects the mental abilities of older people. Now it turns out that this is not the case.
In previous experiments on small animals, sexual activity stimulated the growth of neurons in the hippocampus, improved episodic memory and the general state of the brain – increased the ability of rodents to recognize objects. These results prompted scientists to study the meaning of sex and cognitive functions in humans.
To determine whether sexual activity and emotional intimacy have any effect on the memory of older people, Allen and his group analyzed data from the prospective cohort study ELSA (English Longitudinal Study of Aging). They studied information on the health status, diet, socio-economic status and well-being of more than 6,000 people over 50 (average age 66) living in England. ELSA participants performed memory tests and filled out a questionnaire in which they reported the frequency of intimacy, including kissing, touching and sex. The memory tests were repeated two years later. The results of both checks were compared.
Analyzing the results of the first test, scientists found that frequent sex and emotional intimacy with a partner improved memory, especially in older people. But two years later, repeated memory tests showed the development of age-related changes, the results of which no longer depended on the sexual activity of the subjects.
The authors write that additional studies are needed with a longer follow-up period and alternative ways to assess brain functions.
Article by M. S. Allen. Sexual Activity and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults is published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru