Study reveals owning a pet can combat cognitive decline in individuals over 50 living alone
New study suggests that owning a pet could alleviate cognitive decline in people over 50 who live alone Discover the positive impact of companionship on mental health, highlighting the benefits of having a furry friend by your side in middle age
People who are over 50 and living alone may be able to combat the decline in their verbal cognition by introducing a pet into their home, as suggested by a recent study. Research has indicated that the loss of ability to easily retrieve words and comprehend others are early indicators of dementia.
Petting a dog boosts activity in the frontal cortex of the brain, where thinking and planning occurs.
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The act of petting a dog has been shown to have a positive impact on your brain, according to a study conducted by Dr. Ciyong Lu, a professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China. Dr. Lu found that owning a pet can counteract the cognitive decline associated with living alone.
Neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, the director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, emphasized that the study only demonstrated an association, not a direct cause and effect. He clarified that it would be more accurate to state that the intervention MAY slow down cognitive decline. Isaacson recommended that additional prospective studies, including a randomized controlled trial, would be necessary to draw more definitive conclusions.
"It's important to note that if someone lives alone and already has cognitive impairment, physical limitations like balance or vision problems, it may not be advisable for them to adopt a pet as a way to slow down their brain aging," he cautioned. Isaacson also emphasized that caring for a pet, particularly a puppy or kitten, requires a significant amount of effort.
Cognitive decline can make it more challenging to care for a pet without assistance, and can increase the risk of falling for individuals with balance or vision issues.
Living by oneself has been associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression, particularly following the loss of a partner due to death, divorce, or separation, as indicated by research. In a study conducted in 2022, it was revealed that living alone, as opposed to living with others, raised the risk of depression by 42%. This increased depression risk, in turn, has been found to potentially double the likelihood of developing dementia, as highlighted by scientists; a 2020 commission identified late-life depression as one of the 12 major risk factors for dementia.
Melancholy woman resting at the terrace
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A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found a connection between loneliness or social isolation and serious health outcomes. The study involved analyzing data from individuals aged 50 and older who had pets and were participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Researchers examined their responses to a word test related to animals, which assesses their ability to pay attention, encode, and recall words. Isaacson noted the importance of this test in understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive abilities.
Owning a pet was found to slow the decline of verbal cognition, verbal memory, and fluency for individuals living alone, but not for those living with others. The reason for this distinction remains unclear, according to Lu.
"The test assesses various aspects of attention, working memory, and short-term memory," he explained. "Although the results were statistically significant, the impact on verbal memory was not substantial—only a half-point improvement on the 20-point verbal memory task."
Isaacson noted that there was a slightly more significant difference of one word, or point, in verbal fluency between individuals living with only pet companionship and those living alone.
Having a pet in middle and older age helps relieve stress and anxiety and provides opportunities to meet new people, experts say.
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Living with pets can potentially help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, although further research is necessary, according to Lu. Various pets such as dogs, cats, fish, birds, and others may offer potential benefits in this area.
Lu stated that pets can lessen loneliness and improve overall well-being by providing companionship. Furthermore, observing pets has been found to aid in calming, relaxation, and the alleviation of stress and anxiety.
Moreover, Lu noted that pet ownership can offer chances for individuals to connect with others and engage in conversations while out on walks, particularly with a dog. The study also revealed that pet owners have a lower social isolation score compared to non-pet owners.
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Get fit by taking your dog for a walk and improve your own health in the process. Additionally, getting good quality sleep is crucial. According to a 2023 study, a decrease in slow-wave sleep each year is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
According to Lu, pet owners have an easier time falling asleep compared to non-pet owners. For instance, walking their dogs before bedtime can have a relaxing effect that makes it easier for dog owners to fall asleep.
Lu also mentioned that some pets require specialized care, including food, habitat, and veterinary attention. This responsibility can provide a sense of purpose for their owners. Additionally, caring for a pet often involves physical activity, particularly outdoors, which has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system and overall health, according to some studies.
Lu noted that pet owners engage in more moderate and vigorous physical activity compared to non-pet owners. Additionally, certain pet enclosures, like aquariums or chicken coops, may require specific lighting, water features, plants, rocks, or soils. According to Lu, these elements may contribute to fostering a connection with nature and enhancing the immunity of pet owners.
