Investigating The Effects of Sexual Activity on Cognitive Reserve and Dementia Prevention in the Older Adult Population
Description: Background: As the proportion of older adults in the population rises in almost all countries, dementia rates are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Researchers are investigating various lifestyle factors that can promote cognitive reserve and dementia prevention. One lifestyle factor, which is grossly under discussed in the literature, is sexual wellness and activity in older adulthood. Preliminary evidence from limited studies shows a potential link between increased sexual activity and cognitive wellness in older adulthood, but fail to provide conclusive evidence due to insufficient research. Methods: This longitudinal study gathered participants between the ages of 60-90 to explore the relationship between sexual activity and cognitive reserve. Two cognitive assessment tools were used, as well as standardized self-reported questionnaires assessing sexual activity in each participant. Additionally, throughout the study, neuroimaging techniques were utilized to consider brain volume, focusing on the hippocampus. Results: Results from both a Pearson's chi-squared test, as well as utilizing an ANCOVA multivariate analysis to account for sex, relationship status, sexual orientation, age, and frequency of sexual activity, display relationships between increased sexual activity in promoting cognitive reserve in both males and females. Conclusions: Results from this research may provide conclusive evidence that maintaining a sexually healthy lifestyle may promote cognitive reserve and wellness in older adulthood. Future research should account for cultural differences and societal attitudes towards the aging population and sexual wellness. Keywords: cognitive reserve, ageing, dementia prevention, sexual activity, sexual wellness
Amount: CA$17,500
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships
Start date: 2023-09-01
End date: 2024-08-31
Investigator: Michelle Galper
Institution: University of Toronto
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 188402_1
OpenAlex ID: G180904537