Recent research indicates that dogs may be particularly beneficial for older individuals in the fight against dementia, surpassing the advantages associated with cat ownership. The findings suggest that owning a dog can reduce the risk of developing dementia by approximately 40 percent, while feline companions do not offer the same protective effects.

Study Overview

A Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology study analyzed new dementia cases among 11,194 older individuals in Tokyo, utilizing nursing care insurance data collected between 2016 and 2020. The average age of the participants was 74.2 years. At the onset of the study, 959 participants owned dogs, while 704 had cats.

Key Results

Results revealed that dog owners were 40 percent less likely to develop dementia within the subsequent four years than those without dogs. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing dementia was particularly low among dog owners who exercised regularly and maintained social connections through walks and other activities.

In contrast, the study found no significant differences in dementia risk between cat owners and those without feline companions. Researchers posited that the physical activity associated with dog ownership and social interactions during walks may be key factors contributing to the cognitive benefits observed.

Economic Benefits of Pet Ownership

Additionally, a separate study conducted by the Geriatrics and Gerontology Institute found that pet ownership could significantly reduce nursing care expenses for older individuals, cutting costs by approximately half. This study, which focused on 460 older residents in Hatoyama, Saitama Prefecture, revealed that the average age of participants was 77.7 years, with 96 individuals—about 20.9 percent—owning pets.

The researchers assessed monthly medical and nursing care expenses over 18 months, concluding that there were no significant differences in medical costs between pet owners and those without pets. Importantly, this study did not include comparisons between dog owners and cat owners.

Addressing Challenges

A senior researcher from the National Institute for Environmental Studies, who contributed to both studies, emphasized that pet ownership promotes personal health and can lead to reduced social security costs. However, challenges exist for older individuals who may become unable to care for their pets due to illness or aging. Reports have indicated that some older adults are reluctant to enter hospitals or care facilities if it means leaving their animals behind.

To address these concerns, the researcher advocates for support systems that assist older individuals in maintaining pet ownership rather than discouraging it. They assert that investing taxpayer money into these support systems can yield significant benefits, promoting the health and well-being of both older folks and their beloved pets.

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