A team of researchers from the University of Maryland (USA) has reported findings that particularly concern older adults. This is significant because their cognitive abilities are often the most affected by age-related decline.
What the Researchers Found
The scientists were pleased to discover that having a cat or dog not only brings joy to people’s lives but also protects our brain health.
It’s well-known that cognitive decline occurs with age for everyone. These processes affect thinking, memory, learning ability, and problem-solving skills. The new study demonstrated that having a cat or dog at home can slow the decline of cognitive functions as a person ages.
The positive impact of cats and dogs on brain health is especially pronounced when the pet owner regularly takes their animal for walks. The researchers primarily refer to dog walking, as strolls are not as common among cat owners and their pets.
How the Study Was Conducted
To shed light on the benefits of having a pet at home, the university team examined data from 637 individuals aged 51 to 101 years.
Eleven percent of the participants owned cats, while 13 percent had dogs. The analysis confirmed that over the past decade, cognitive functions declined among all participants. However, these processes occurred more slowly in those who owned cats or dogs, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Two-thirds of dog owners indicated that they regularly walked their pets. In this group, researchers observed a slower decline in cognitive functions compared to dog owners who did not walk their pets.
In their report, the scientists stated that over the last ten years, “memory, executive and language functions, psychomotor speed, and information processing speed” declined to a lesser extent among pet owners than among those who did not have pets at home.
Meanwhile, cat owners experienced a less noticeable decline in memory and language functions.
The researchers believe that these results may be explained by the fact that pet owners tend to experience lower stress levels, are more relaxed, and pay more attention to the outside world.
Previous studies have shown that interacting with animals helps lower blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, having a dog can foster a beneficial habit of regular physical activity through daily walks.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.