Cats and dogs can protect their owners from memory loss later in life by helping them stay stress-free and mentally sharp, research shows
- Scientists say that having pets can protect us from memory loss later in life
- A study found that animal owners have held on to more cognitive abilities for six years
- The researchers tested 1,300 people with an average age of 65, with 53% having pets
- Having a pet is already associated with lower levels of stress and blood pressure
Having a pet is already associated with lower stress and blood pressure.
And now scientists say that pets can also protect us from memory loss later in life.
Owners of animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits, have been found to retain more of their cognitive abilities when tracked for six years.
For the study, researchers tested more than 1,300 people with an average age of 65.
Fifty-three percent of them had pets and almost a third of this group had pets for more than five years.
A study found that owners of animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits, retained more of their cognitive abilities when tracked for six years (stock image)
Participants were asked to recall a list of ten words, both immediately and in five minutes.
They had to count back from 20 and back from 100, subtracting seven from each number.
The study found that after six years, long-term pet owners saw less decline in their average score on these tests than those without pets.
There is growing evidence that stress can lead to cognitive decline, and experts believe that pets can help us stay mentally sharp by reducing stress.
Those with dogs benefit from regular walks, as exercise is associated with a healthier brain.
However, the study’s authors say that people with better thinking skills may simply be more likely to have pets because they can handle their many demands.
For the study, researchers tested more than 1,300 people with an average age of 65. Those with dogs benefit from regular walks, as exercise is associated with a healthier brain (image)
The University of Michigan Medical Center study, which has not yet been published, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
Dr Tiffany Braley, who led the study, said: “Previous studies have suggested that the human-animal relationship may have health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and stress.
“Our results suggest that having pets can also protect against cognitive decline.”
Responding to the study, Dr Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “People love their animals, and pets can be an important source of friendship and comfort throughout our lives.
“While this US-based study links pet ownership to some memory protection and impaired thinking, it cannot tell us whether these are long-term benefits or whether having a pet has anything to do with the risk of dementia.
“This study has not yet been published and it is not yet possible to reveal the reasons for the relationship that the researchers observed.”
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