A new study has found that owning a pet is not only good for your mental health, but it can also protect your brain as you age. The research, published in the journal Science Alert, was conducted by Tiffany Braley, M.D., a member of the American Academy of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
The Study and Its Findings
The study examined cognitive data from 1,369 older adults, with an average age of 65, who had normal cognitive abilities at the start of the study. Of those, 53% were pet owners, and 32% had been pet owners for five years or more. The study found that pet ownership was associated with better brain health and cognitive function in older adults. Specifically, pet owners performed better on measures of executive function, which is the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks.
The Benefits of Pet Ownership
This study adds to a growing body of research that has shown the numerous benefits of pet ownership. Previous studies have demonstrated that the human-animal bond can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. A companion animal can also increase physical activity, which can benefit cognitive health. The study’s lead author, Tiffany Braley, suggests that pets may provide mental stimulation and social interaction, which could explain why pet ownership is linked to better cognitive function in older adults.
Furthermore, spending time with pets has been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding, in both humans and animals. In addition, owning a pet can provide a sense of purpose and companionship, particularly for older adults who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
However, the study’s authors caution that more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between pet ownership and brain health.
