A research conducted among adults from the US, whose ages were beyond 50, revealed that pet owners for over five years had better cognitive memory assessment scores compared to those without these companions in the house. Science Alert reports that though the "pet effect" protects heart and gut health, it goes beyond that by playing a role when it comes to aging brains.
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Can Pets Help With Cognitive Decline?
The study by the University of Michigan was included in the Journal of Aging and Health.
Results are grounded on a survey that has a nationally representative scope, from the years 2010 up to 2016. The survey asked over 20,000 adults who were more than 50 years old about their pet ownership status, among other concerns.
Survey findings were then used by the researchers years later. Researchers then noticed how those who were reportedly pet owners had intriguing variances in cognitive scores in the period of testing worth six years. Science Alert reports how such effect was only evident among those who were more than 65 years, which is usually the age when dementia symptoms start getting exhibited.
The researchers discovered how those within such age range who were pet owners for more than five years had better long and short-term memory for words. This was in comparison to those within the same age bracket but who did not own any pets.
Each time participants got assessed in the period of six years, the cohort of pet owners reflected better scores, despite having grown older.
Science Alert notes how such findings are only associations; they do not serve as concrete proof regarding the actual existence of the "pet effect." There is a possibility of it being findings pertaining to how those with more optimal cognitive function have higher likelihoods of keeping longer companionships with pets during the latter parts of life.
That being said, this study concurs with other research efforts that suggest how having a pet benefits one's health. Frontiers, for one, reports how interactions between humans and animals, in the context of pet ownership, lead to various benefits when it comes to physical, emotional, and social health. While there are several theories regarding why this happens, each one is yet to be tested and proven.
Why Are Pets Good For Your Health?
For instance, having a pet dog could entail that owners are forced to rise up and move along more. Science Alert notes how movement on a daily basis is closely linked to functional longetivity and health of the brain.
Not to mention, animals also introduce new kinds of bacteria into the circulation within the house. This, in turn, boosts gut health. Science Alert notes how the gut-brain link is a connection that specialists have realized to be more vital than previously thought.
Other than that, pet ownership could also just simply boost positive feelings within individuals. Science Alert notes how researches propose how the presence of animals in one's life can help with the alleviation of chronic stress and with relieving feelings of loneliness.
During old age, this could be more vital. Science Alert notes how there is evidence that isolation can alter brain function and structure.
Science Alert also notes how there is a probability that each theory could be true, at least partially.
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