Gaby
A team of researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, has reported that pet ownership can slow the decline of cognitive abilities in lonely elderly individuals compared to those without pets.
What the Researchers Discovered
It is well-known that living alone increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Deterioration in verbal memory and speech speed is a common occurrence with age. However, these processes may progress more slowly in solitary individuals who have pets.
Dr. Yanzhi Li, who led the study, noted that pets help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being. Additionally, walking dogs can facilitate social interactions and provide conversation starters.
The team analyzed data from approximately 8,000 British participants aged 50 and older who took part in an aging study from 2010 to 2019. Participants were asked if they had pets and were then tested on their word memory and speech speed.
More than a third of the study participants owned pets, and about 27 percent of the volunteers reported being lonely, according to the Daily Mail.
The researchers assessed participants’ verbal memory by asking them to memorize a list of words. They also measured speech speed by having volunteers name as many animals as possible within one minute.
Among those participants who had pets, the decline in language skills occurred at a slower rate, even when accounting for factors that can affect brain health, such as age, certain illnesses, and lack of physical activity.
The rate of cognitive decline was roughly the same for pet owners living alone and those who lived with partners or other individuals.
According to the scientists, this suggests that having a pet may offset the decline in verbal memory and speech speed typically observed in people who live in isolation, where daily conversations and mental stimulation are often limited.
The study’s results indicated that cat and dog owners are less prone to social isolation than those without pets. Thus, having a pet at home is beneficial not only for companionship but also for fostering socialization among lonely individuals.
The researchers also noted that dog owners who regularly walk their pets tend to sleep better after these outings, which positively impacts their cognitive functions. The findings were published in JAMA Neurology.
What About Previous Studies?
The data aligns with previous research indicating that pet ownership helps people feel less isolated. Not to mention the health benefits associated with daily dog walks.
Recent studies have also shown that individuals with pets tend to perform better in planning their lives and solving problems.
