Having a cat or a dog could stimulate brain health as you age, study the study

Parents of dogs and cats can glean the advantages beyond a cuddly friend. A recent study links the property of cats and dogs to a slower cognitive decline in the elderly.

What research says

The study, published in Scientific relationshipsAnalyzed 18 years of data from the health, aging and retirement survey in Europe (sharing) to explore the link between the cognitive decline and the possession of pets.

It included around 16,500 people aged 50 to 99 in several European countries. Although all participants experienced a cognitive decline, those who had cats and dogs showed a significantly slower decline in specific cognitive kingdoms.

The owners of cats have maintained a stronger verbal mastery, the ability to train and communicate the language, as well as a delayed memory recall. Dog owners have experienced a slower drop in the immediate and delayed memory recall. No significant advantage has been observed for people with birds or fish.

“This suggests that the type of pet and the nature of interaction count, which underlines how animal possession can be a significant lifestyle factor supporting healthy cognitive aging,” Mohamad Koubeissi, MD, president of the neurology and rehabilitation department at the University of George Washington, told Mohamad Koubeissi.

Another striking discovery? The animal owners started with slightly lower memory scores but still decreased more slowly. “This suggests that possession of pets could be protective even among those who start from a cognitive disadvantage,” said Koubeissi.

Why is the property of cats and dogs good for the aging brain?

Having a four -legged friend is cognitively beneficial for several reasons.

“Dogs must be walked and are fun, so there will be an increased physical activity and social interaction, and an increased level of emotional bond,” said Nicholas Streicher, MD, neurologist at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

He said that cat owners will benefit more from the emotional company and social interaction. Relations with pets can also reduce stress and loneliness, which are risk factors for cognitive decline.

Taking care of dogs and cats is also mentally demanding. “The management of a pet involves a routine interpretation, problem solving and emotion,” said Koubeissi.

Small studies have linked interactions with cats and dogs with increased stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, which is part of the brain which involves regulation of behavior, emotional response, language formation and memory.

Young animal owners can also benefit from it. The aspects of pet property supporting brain health, such as reducing stress, more physical activity and increased emotional well-being and social interaction, can create a cognitive reserve, which can help prevent or delay the future cognitive decline, said Koubeissi.

Is a certain pet the best for brain health?

Owners of birds and fish may not be lucky. This may be due to the fact that birds need less active care, and owners may not feel the same emotional proximity and frequent social interaction as cats and dogs. Birds and fish also generally have a shorter lifespan.

“The depth, frequency and nature of interaction with birds and fish can simply fall below the threshold necessary to offer cognitive advantages measurable over time,” said Koubeissi.

Streicher said that possession of a dog and a cat has brain advantages, but that dog possession can provide wider cognitive protection. “I say that it is only because dog owners had an impact in both parts of the memory sphere, which is generally the first area affected by cognitive disorders linked to age.”