Sex reduces stress, prevents insomnia and raises our self-esteem. However, one academic research has revealed another of the benefits that an active sexual life can bring to our health.
The study, led by Riki Slayday and Tyler Bell, from the universities of Pennsylvania and California respectively, has found a new relationship between sexual satisfaction, vascular health and memory performance.
The research consisted of measuring the erectile function levels y sexual satisfaction of 818 men aged between 56 and 68 years.
The academics detected a correlation between reductions in erectile function and memory loss, which remained after controlling for other health factors. risk of cognitive impairment such as hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.
In this way, the promoters of the study have concluded that a good sexual health could reduce the risk of suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
An indicator of cognitive health
The main novelty of this research is its focus on microvascular health as a key actor in predicting cognitive decline with age.
The smallest blood vessels They are crucial in erectile function and have been shown to be an irrefutable barometer of vascular health and cognitive health.
Thus, the results of the study suggest that a problem minor erectile dysfunction can help the early detection of a cognitive problem.
Researchers are now working on a similar study with womenfor which alterations in blood flow and hormonal changes linked to menopause are being used as meters.
Sexual satisfaction is another of the meters analyzed by this study collected by the specialized health media. The Healthy. According to the researchers themselves, sexual health It is a very important factor enough to be left out of what we consider quality of life.
A slight increase in the life satisfaction index can help significantly reduce the risk of dementia. However, deficiencies in sexual lifelike a sedentary lifestyle, addictions or social isolation, can negatively influence our cognitive well-being.
A relegated virtue
Among the striking conclusions of Slayday y Bellhighlights the need to resolve taboos around sexual health. Through access to quality sexuality education, many adults would gain the necessary guidelines to increase your sexual satisfaction.
This together with the creation of open dialogues can favor even more so the prevention and early detection of memory problems.
Christian Rodríguez
