Researchers at Coventry University in the United Kingdom found that middle-age and older people who report more frequent sexual activity perform better on cognitive tests.
The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological and Social Sciences, included 45 women and 28 men who completed standardized cognitive tests as well as questionnaires about their everyday lifestyle habits and general health.
The researchers could not determine whether social factors, biological ones, or both accounted for the link between sexual activity and brain health.
People engaged in sexual relations also benefit from associated social interactions that are known to benefit brain function. Moreover, brain neurotransmitters that increase with sexual activity, such as dopamine and oxytocin, may benefit cognitive health.