New study suggests owning pets has positive effect on brain health among seniors
Ask most pet owners and they will tell you that their fur babies have had a positive impact in their lives, one way or another. Whether it be about a drastic change in one's lifestyle or as simple as helping in daily chores (guide dogs), owning pets has more benefits than just simple companionship.
And a new study has revealed that owning pets has a positive effect on brain health of older adults or senior citizens.
Released by the American Academy Neurology (AAN), the study was authored by Tiffany Braley, MD, MS, of the University of Michigan Medical Center. According to the study, owning a pet five years or longer may be linked to slower cognitive decline in older adults.
Cognitive decline refers to the decline in the overall health and well-being of the brain and its functions.
“Prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress. Our results suggest pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline,” said Dr. Braley in a press release by AAN.
Having a pet also increases one's physical activity which also benefits cognitive health | Source: Photo by Gaspar Zaldo of Pexels
The respondents of the study were older adults with an average age of 65. Among the 1,369 participants, 53 percent owned pets while 32 percent were long-term pet owners. They were given multiple cognitive tests over a period of six years.
“Over six years, cognitive scores decreased at a slower rate in pet owners. This difference was strongest among long-term pet owners. Taking into account other factors known to affect cognitive function, the study showed that long-term pet owners, on average, had a cognitive composite score that was 1.2 points higher at six years compared to non-pet owners.”
Dr. Braley said that further study is needed to confirm the result of the study.
“As stress can negatively affect cognitive function, the potential stress-buffering effects of pet ownership could provide a plausible reason for our findings,” she said.
“A companion animal can also increase physical activity, which could benefit cognitive health. That said, more research is needed to confirm our results and identify underlying mechanisms for this association,” Dr. Braley added.
Meanwhile, take a look at the super cute pets of celebrities in the gallery below:
