FRISKY FRIDAY FEEL-GOOD FORGET-ME-NOT: ‘The Big O’ Can Protect You from Dementia

Sex can help protect against dementia – by increasing blood flow to the brain.  For 62 to 74-year-olds the quality of sex and climax was most closely linked to mental sharpness, a study found.

According the U.S. Sun, over-75s on the other hand, benefited most from romps at least once a week.

Prof Shannon Shen, of Hope College, Michigan, explains:  “Sex is physical exercise; and exercise is linked to better cognitive performance, by increasing the blood flow in the brain.”

“This may be especially true at older ages because of high rates of sedentary behaviour, so any circulatory benefits from having sex may be important.  Although frequency of sex does decrease with age, it may be one way to combat atrophy in the brain.

“It has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, including heart health, happiness and wellbeing.”

Her team studied 1,683 Americans, who are over age 62, for five years.

They quizzed them about how often they had sex, and how satisfying they found it.  They did tests on attention, memory, thinking speed and mathematic skills.

Prof Shen said the rush of “feelgood” hormone dopamine on orgasm also shields nerves linked to memory.

• Were you aware of the potential link between sexual activity and cognitive health?
• Do you think that societal attitudes about sex and aging might impact how older adults perceive the importance of sexual activity for their cognitive health?
• Do you think that this study could influence the way older adults view sexual activity as part of a healthy lifestyle?