Associations of Future Cognitive Decline with Sexual Satisfaction among Married Older Adults. Issue 3 (27th May 2021) - Smith, Allison G.
ABSTRACT: Objectives : This study sought to explore changes in longitudinal cognitive status in relation to baseline measures of intimacy and sexuality in cognitively intact, married older adults. Methods : Baseline intimacy and sexuality survey data from 155, cognitively intact, married, older adults were collected using a novel survey instrument that explored the domains of: 1) romance with one's partner, 2) sexual satisfaction, 3) beliefs about sexuality, and 4) social support and emotional intimacy. These data were analyzed in relation to change in cognitive status over a 10-year follow-up period using binary logistic regression modeling. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the shared variance of survey items attributable to intimacy and sexuality without specification of an a priori hypothesis regarding the association of intimacy and sexuality with future change in cognitive status. Results : Over the 10-year study period, 33.5% (n = 52) of individuals developed cognitive impairment. Participants with greater sexual satisfaction scores at baseline were statistically less likely to convert from cognitively intact to mild cognitive impairment or dementia in the future ( p = .01). The domains of romance with one's partner, beliefs about sexuality, and social support/emotional intimacy were not predictive of future longitudinal changes in cognitive status. Conclusions : Sexual satisfaction is associated with longitudinal cognitive outcomes in cognitively intact, married, older adults. Clinical implications : Clinicians should routinely assess for sexual satisfaction among older adults and refer to appropriate providers, such as couples or sex therapists, when appropriate.