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Researchers at the University of Michigan believe that interacting with pet cats and dogs can protect older adults from dementia. According to the findings of a new study, participants who had a pet at home for five years or more scored better on cognitive memory tests than those without a furry companion.
What Scientists Discovered
Previous studies have noted that bonding with a furry friend positively impacts the gut and heart health of their owners. Recently, a team of scientists decided to investigate whether this positive influence extends to cognitive abilities as well.
This large-scale study was based on a six-year representative testing period. During this time, over 20,000 adults aged 50 and older answered a variety of questions. The research team drew conclusions about the participants’ brain function, taking into account whether or not they had pets.
After analyzing the test results, the scientists were surprised to find that pet owners exhibited better brain function, particularly improved memory. The effect of having a cat or dog at home was especially pronounced among participants aged 65 and older. This is typically the age when symptoms of dementia begin to manifest, as reported by ScienceAlert.
The researchers noted that if an individual in this age group had a pet for more than five years, their short-term and long-term memory was significantly better than that of those without pets.
Interestingly, cat and dog owners showed these encouraging results throughout the entire six-year period, even as they aged.
Pets Combat Loneliness and Depression
The authors of the study believe that having a pet is associated solely with benefits and kindness—unless, of course, the owner has allergies to fur.
Dogs and cats encourage interaction, which keeps the human brain engaged. Additionally, dog owners must rise early and take their pets for walks, which activates cognitive functions since physical activity is closely linked to brain activity.
Moreover, pets make people happy, help them feel less lonely, and alleviate stress. This is even more crucial in old age than in youth, as older adults are often more isolated from society, and such isolation can alter the structure and function of the brain.
All of this is significant considering the factors contributing to dementia, including lack of physical activity, loneliness, cardiovascular diseases, depression/anxiety, and chronic stress. Thus, furry companions may protect individuals from a range of interconnected symptoms.
In conclusion, the researchers stated that interacting with a companion animal throughout the day exercises our brains and shields them from dementia.
