Most of us already happily know that sex is like a drug. This is largely due to the release of Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that activates the reward center in our brains. Many other things also do this, but do not necessarily lead to better brain health.

Research into how sex affects the brain is clearly difficult. However, there have been MRI brain scans done on people during orgasm. These MRI brain scans revealed activation in large areas on both sides of the brain. The activation was a measure of the flow of oxygenated blood to different parts of the brain during orgasm.  This increased flow of oxygenated blood carrying valuable nutrients to the brain cells, of course is beneficial to brain health.

There have also been numerous studies done which indicate that regular sexual activity brought about the creation of new neurons in the brain, and improved cognitive function or clearer thinking.  Neuroscientist and researcher at the NYU Lagone Medical Center, Dr. Lin also supports these studies.

For some time now, there has been evidence to suggest that sex also causes growth in the hippocampus; the region of the brain instrumental to long term memory.

So clearly if you want to remember your partner’s name as you are getting older, it would be wise to remain on very good terms and intimate!