Why making love may help to fight
dementia: Regular sex among over 50s found to keep cognitive function sharper
due to release of hormones
Having sex could help older people stave off dementia,
scientists believe.
Researchers from Coventry University discovered that
over-50s still active in the bedroom have sharper cognitive function.
Tests on older men and women revealed that those who enjoy
intimacy are better able to recall lists and recognise patterns, both of which
are signs of a healthy brain. More than 6,800 people from across England aged between 50
and 89 were quizzed on their sex lives and then set mental tests.
They were played a list of ten words and then asked to
recount them straight afterwards and again following a five-minute delay.
The participants were also given a sequence of numbers with
one missing and handed the task of completing the pattern. Men who were sexually active scored higher by 23 per cent on
the word tests and 3 per cent on the number puzzles, while women profited too
by margins of 14 per cent and 2 per cent. Stronger performance persisted even when factors such as
age, wealth and physical activity were taken into consideration.
The study – published in the journal Age And Ageing –
suggests the results could be due to the release during sex of hormones such as
dopamine and oxytocin, which are linked to feelings of reward, so promoting
memory and learning. It states: ‘The findings have implications for the promotion
of sexual counselling in healthcare settings, where maintaining a healthy sex
life in older age could be instrumental in improving cognitive function and
well-being.
Psychosexual counsellor Pauline Brown said: ‘Any part of the
body needs to be exercised to keep in good shape and because sex triggers so
many changes in the brain it will inevitably help keep it agile and capable. ‘There can be physical barriers caused by ageing, but these
results show just how important it is for couples to keep this part of their
relationship strong and healthy.‘Sex is a key part of what it means to be human, whether as
a young adult or someone of advancing years.
‘And it makes people feel good so it encourages them to be
more positive about life and more likely to eat well and pursue other healthy activities
like pilates or line-dancing.’
Paul Green, communications director for over-50s lifestyle
company Saga, added: ‘This highlights the importance of maintaining a physical
relationship as long as possible, proving that sex is good for the mind as well
as the body and soul.
‘Just because society doesn’t expect older people to have
full and active sex lives, it doesn’t mean this isn’t the case. ‘Our own research shows that people do indeed enjoy regular
sex until they are well into their seventies, it’s just that they are more
discreet and don’t feel the need to broadcast it.’
Alzheimer’s Society research manager Dr Clare Walton said:
‘We know that older adults who keep their minds and bodies active have a
reduced risk of dementia.
‘In the run up to Valentine’s day, this timely study
suggests there might be a link between sexual activity and better memory
performance. ‘As more and more people are living longer, finding ways to
maintain good cognitive function into our later years is an important area of
ongoing research.’
There are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia and
numbers are expected to rise to a million over the next decade.
In 2013, Stirling University scientists unveiled a top ten
of things to do to reduce the risk of falling foul of the condition. It included dancing, taking supplements such as fish oils
and vitamins B6 and E and drinking green tea and even the odd glass of red
wine.
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