Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have found a link between erectile dysfunction and cognitive abilities. It turned out that low sexual satisfaction in middle-aged men may be a harbinger of memory decline in the future. The results of the study were published in The Gerontologist.

The work involved 818 men aged 56 to 68 years, who were followed for 12 years. The choice of this age group was not accidental: this is a transitional period, when erectile function, cognitive abilities and sexual satisfaction begin to appear.

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Using tests of memory and processing speed, the researchers tracked cognitive changes adjusted for the mental ability of the participants at a young age. The erectile function and sexual satisfaction of the subjects were also measured based on self-reported and microvascular changes. The researchers then built a statistical model to understand how the three variables changed with age.

The authors found a strong correlation between these three factors. Thus, decreased erectile function and sexual satisfaction were associated with memory loss, indicating a link between psychological and physical health. In addition, low levels of satisfaction in people in general increase the risk of health problems such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and others.

Scientists emphasize that usually recommendations for maintaining health and overall quality of life involve sports and quality nutrition, but sexual satisfaction is just as important.