As Britain’s population ages and dementia rates climb, scientists may have found an unexpected ally in the fight against cognitive decline. Cats and dogs may be exercising more than just your patience: they could be keeping parts of your brain ticking over too. In a potential breakthrough for preventive health, researchers have found that owning a four-pawed friend is linked to slower cognitive decline by potentially preserving specific brain functions as we grow older.
Interestingly, the associations differ depending on the animal: dog owners were found to retain sharper memory, both immediate and delayed, while cat owners showed slower decline in verbal fluency. However, not all pets are created equal when it comes to cognitive benefits. Fish and birds, while charming companions, showed no significant link to improved brain function.
Understanding the Study
The study, led by Adriana Rostekova, a researcher at the lifespan developmental psychology research group at the University of Geneva, examined data from eight waves of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe. This extensive research spanned an 18-year period and included adults aged 50 and older. Rostekova specifically looked at the distinct roles of owning dogs, cats, birds, and fish.
“Pet ownership has been linked to a positive influence on cognitive functioning and cognitive decline in late adulthood,” said Rostekova, whose findings were published in Nature. “However, there is limited understanding of how different species of pets are associated with these outcomes.”
“The key novelty of our study was that we found notable differences between the species,” she said.
The Role of Different Pets
Rostekova hypothesized that the overall pattern of pet ownership benefits may be driven primarily by having a cat or dog rather than pet ownership in general. “Several explanations may help explain the absence of this association in fish and bird owners, despite the reports of their ownership’s positive influence on wellbeing in ways that are usually associated with cognitive benefits,” she added.
She noted that a fish or bird’s short lifespan might limit the level of emotional connection one can develop, while bird ownership might negatively affect sleep quality due to increased noise levels, which has been shown to be associated with cognitive decline. “It is further possible that interaction with dogs and cats provides unique cognitive stimulation, which may be less pronounced in other, less demanding pets,” Rostekova explained.
Scientific Insights and Implications
Other research supports the idea that interaction with pets can enhance brain activity. Evidence suggests an increase in prefrontal brain activation and stronger attentional processes and emotional arousal caused by interaction with a dog. Similarly, increased activation of the prefrontal cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus has been observed when interacting with cats, possibly linked to their unpredictable temperament.
“There is also a possibility of increased social stimulation facilitated by cats and dogs, which may be linked to the slower cognitive decline experienced by their owners: an increased frequency of social interactions when accompanied by a dog – or for cats, a substitute for a social network,” said Rostekova.
Broader Implications for Healthy Aging
As the NHS grapples with an ageing population and rising dementia rates, experts suggest these findings could reshape how we think about healthy ageing and the animals we choose to age alongside. Andrew Scott, the author of The Longevity Imperative and a cat owner, remarked on the broader implications of the study.
“We tend to think of health as being about disease and hospitals but as we live longer and need to focus on preventive measures that keep us healthy for longer, we will discover that the health system extends well beyond doctors and hospitals,” Scott said.
He added, “It is about how we live our life. What is nice about this study is it suggests a fun and meaningful way of keeping healthy and engaged. A lot of things we are recommended to do for our health aren’t always fun or companionable. Having a pet can be fun and if it keeps you healthy, that’s a great bonus.”
This research opens new avenues for considering pet ownership as a viable strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. As more studies explore the intricate relationships between humans and their animal companions, the potential for pets to play a role in public health strategies becomes increasingly compelling.
