The impact of mild cognitive impairment on sexual activity

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the unique impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on sexual activity among older adults.

METHODS: Data for the study were drawn from a national survey entitled the "Determinants of Wellness among Older Malaysians: A Health Promotion Perspective" conducted in 2010.

RESULTS: According to the Mini-Mental State Examination education-adjusted cutoff points, 15.6% of the 1046 respondents were identified as having MCI. Older adults with MCI had a significantly lower level of sexual activity than the healthy cognitive group (chi-square = 50.20, P < .001, 32.5% vs 62.3%). The results of 3-step hierarchical logistic regression model revealed that MCI is significantly associated with decreased sexual activity in community-dwelling older adults, over and beyond demographic factors, and age-related medical conditions affecting sexual activity (odds ratio 0.33, P < .001, 95% confidence interval 0.23-0.49).

CONCLUSION: Findings from the present study support the significant role of cognitive functioning to perform sexual activity in later life.