The production of chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine during sex, according to the researchers, may be the cause of the association between sex and memory.
According to a 2023 study that appeared in the journal Nature, those who engage in sex more frequently have higher memory performance.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco examined data from over 1,000 adults for the study and discovered that those who had sex at least once a week performed better on memory tests than those who had sex less frequently.
The production of chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine during sex, according to the researchers, may be the cause of the association between sex and memory. It has been demonstrated that these hormones improve cognitive function and offer protection from Alzheimer’s disease.
The results of the study imply that maintaining a healthy sexual life may be one approach to enhance cognition and lower the risk of dementia.
The study was conducted by the researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, under the leadership of Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
According to Dr. Whitbourne’s research, preserving cognitive function may depend on having sex. “Your memory is likely to be better the more sex you have.”
Dr. Whitbourne added that further investigation is required to confirm the hypothesis that sex has an impact on memory performance and that the study’s results are preliminary. But she said that the results are “intriguing” and that they might indicate that having sex can help cognition and lower the risk of developing dementia.
According to a similar study in 2017 that appeared in the journal PLOS One, older persons who engaged in sexual activity performed better cognitively than those who did not. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh examined data from more than 1,000 older persons and discovered that those who were sexually active performed better on tests of memory, attention, and executive function.
Oxytocin is a hormone that is released during sex and bonding, and it has been shown to boost cognitive function. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in pleasure and reward, and it has also been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Men with erectile dysfunction were more likely than men without erectile dysfunction to have cognitive deterioration over time, according to a 2016 study that was published in the journal The Journals of Gerontology.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco examined data from over 1,000 males aged 40 and older for the study, which indicated that erectile dysfunction was associated with a greater risk of memory issues and other forms of cognitive decline over a ten-year period.
These research imply a connection between sexual activity and memory quality. To validate these results and comprehend the mechanisms underlying this relationship, additional study is required.
Sex is a healthy and natural aspect of life. It can bring about enjoyment, intimacy, and kinship; having sex can also improve the memory function.
Studies have shown that those with a good sexual life typically have higher memory performance than those without.
As per the scientific studies, sex releases chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. It has been demonstrated that these hormones improve cognitive function and offer protection from Alzheimer’s disease.
Another explanation could be that sex enhances blood flow to the brain. This can support maintaining the brain’s functionality and overall wellness. Having sex won’t make Alzheimer’s or other memory issues go away. However, it might be a useful strategy for enhancing your cognitive and memory abilities.