Source: The Guardian
As the global population ages and dementia rates increase, a new study suggests that pets—particularly cats and dogs—may help slow cognitive decline. Researchers led by Adriana Rostekova at the University of Geneva analyzed 18 years of data from adults over 50 and found that dog ownership was linked to better memory retention, while cat owners experienced slower decline in verbal fluency. In contrast, owning birds or fish showed no significant cognitive benefit.
The study proposes that the emotional bond and mental stimulation from interacting with cats and dogs may be key contributors to these outcomes. Dogs may promote more social interaction, while cats may stimulate attention and emotional processing due to their unpredictable behavior. These findings highlight the role of pets as a potentially enjoyable and meaningful form of preventive healthcare. Experts suggest this research could influence how societies support healthy aging beyond traditional medical approaches.