Satisfactory Sex Can Help Maintain Memory, Here's The Scientific Explanation

Good sexual relations illustration to maintain brain health and memory (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Sex is not only a matter of physical closeness, but also has a deep impact on body health as a whole, including brain function.

A recent study from Penn State University published in the journal The Gerontologist found that sexual satisfaction and healthy erectile function were closely related to a person's memory, especially when he entered middle age and the elderly.

Reporting from the Meer page, this study involved 818 men aged 56 to 68 years and lasted for 12 years. The results were surprising, men who experienced a decrease in sexual satisfaction and erectile problems were more at risk of decreased memory.

This is the first long-term study linking sexual health to cognition, and opening up a new chapter in our understanding of the brain's aging process.

The researchers believe that the relationship between sexual life and brain function is very complex. One of the main explanations is that healthy sex can reduce stress, improve mood, and improve heart health. All of these things contribute directly to brain health.

In addition, consistent sexual activity stimulates the release of hormones and brain chemicals such as dopamine, which supports the learning and motivation process, as well as oxytocin, in order to strengthen the sense of emotional closeness. Both are important to keep mental function sharp with age.

Usually, when discussing aging, people tend to only focus on physical and brain exercise. However, this study made it clear that maintaining a healthy sexual life is just as important.

"We often ignore sexual health when talking about aging. In fact, problems such as erectile dysfunction can have a negative impact on memory," said Tyler Bell, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the study, quoted from the Meer page.

That is, paying attention to and dealing with sexual problems from an early age not only improves the quality of life, but can also slow down the decline in thinking power.

Although this study was conducted on men, experts suspect that this finding could apply to women and older age groups. Further research is needed to explore the sexual impact on brain function in other groups, including women and the elderly couple.

Healthy sexual activity not only increases physical and hormone life, but also strengthens emotional and social relationships between partners. This inflammation can provide feelings of security, appreciation, and happiness. This is all related to good mental health.

Other studies have also shown that close social relationships and emotional support are able to protect the brain from a decrease in cognitive function. In other words, positive sexual relations can be a natural therapy to maintain brain health.

Erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems not only have an impact on a partner's life, but can also cause stress, shame, and even depression. Mental conditions like this are closely related to cognitive decline.

Therefore, overcoming sexual disorders by medical consultation and therapy is an important step, both for sexual welfare and brain health.

To maintain the quality of intimate relationships, open communication with your partner is very important. Honesty in discussing the needs, fears, and sexual expectations will strengthen emotional ties and create more satisfying relationships.

Intimacy, both physically and emotionally, will provide long-term benefits to mental health and memory.

Although further research is still needed, the current evidence is strong enough to conclude that a healthy sexual life can help maintain memory and prevent cognitive decline.

Some of the steps that can be done include:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle (exercise, eat nutritiously, get enough sleep)2. Manage stress and emotions well 3. Consulte with a doctor if there is a sexual disorder 4. Maintain a warm emotional relationship with your partner