A Japanese study suggests that it can reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.
Cat, dog, hamster, parakeet, lizard … These faithful companions occupy an increasingly important place in homes. 68% of French people even consider their pet as a full member of the family. In addition to their emotional contribution, they are associated with several health benefits: an improvement in well-being and self-esteem, a reduction in the feeling of loneliness as well as a decrease in stress and anxiety. A Japanese study even suggests that possession of a particular animal could reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.
The authors looked at data from over 11,000 people aged 65 to 84, followed over a period of 4 years, looking at their history of possession of a dog or a cat on the one hand, Their lifestyle and general health habits and on the other hand the diagnosis of disabling dementia (requiring assistance for the activities of daily life). The study also assessed the impact of factors such as regular physical activity and social isolation.
According to the results published in the journal “Preventive Medicine Reports”, dog owners had a lower risk of dementia of 40% compared to non-owners of dogs, a key factor is the source of this benefit according to The researchers: the animal’s walk. “Walking dogs seems to reduce the risk of dementia and fragility thanks to a regular exercise” Explained Professor Yu Taniguchi, a researcher specializing in geriatrics and principal author of the study.
The walk promotes physical activity and creates opportunities for social commitment, helping to prevent isolation, an aggravating factor of dementia. “The health benefits and longevity are not only due to living with a dog, but also because of remaining physically and socially engaged through affectionate care” continued Professor Yu Taniguchi. On the other hand, having a cat has not shown any effectiveness on the prevention of dementia.
