🧑‍🔬 Study Proves Dogs Help Brain Health!

Study Proves Dog’s Help Cognitive Decline

As we age, our brain power—think memory, language, and attention—can take a bit of a nosedive. While scientists haven't quite cracked the code to halt this decline, there's some exciting news: having a pet might help keep those cognitive wheels turning!

Dogs & Cognitive Decline

Take a paws for a moment and consider this: In a 2022 study, American researchers put 1,369 Medicare-insured seniors through the cognitive wringer over six years. Guess what? Half of these folks had furry (or scaly) companions, and those with pets experienced a slower slide into cognitive decline compared to their non-pet-owning counterparts. And here's the kicker—long-term pet owners aced the tests even more!

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which has been tracking the over-50s for more than 25 years, joined the party in 2010. They threw cognitive tests and pet ownership surveys into the mix, gathering data from a whopping 7,945 older adults. The results? Pets seem to hit the brakes on cognitive decline. But here’s the twist: the benefits were most noticeable for those who lived alone.

Dementia & Alzheimer’s

Another study in Preventive Medicine Reports found that dog ownership was linked to a lower risk of dementia. Dog owners, especially those who walked their dogs regularly, were more active and less socially isolated, contributing to reduced dementia risk. Regular dog walking was associated with better physical activity and social engagement.

A third study from Finland examined the impact of pet ownership on daily functioning in adults with mild Alzheimer’s. It found that pet owners had better daily activity levels and slower disease progression compared to non-pet owners. These studies suggest that pets may play a valuable role in maintaining cognitive function and supporting daily activities in older adults.

So, if you’re flying solo and your brain feels like it's running on empty, a pet might just be your ticket to a sharper mind. While there’s still plenty more to discover about aging and brain health, getting a pet might be the simple secret to staying bright-eyed and bushy-tailed well into your golden years!

“The Squeeze”: Dog News In 60 Seconds

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• 🚗 Lyft is now charging extra to take your dog.

Today’s Last Laugh:

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