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How Owning a Dog Can Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
From walks to wags, discover how our canine friends contribute to cognitive longevity and a happier, healthier old age
The age-old debate between dog lovers and cat aficionados is a battle waged daily in my home. While I’ve always been a dog person, my husband is a certified cat whisperer.
I brought a French Bulldog named Bert into our marriage. Later, my husband convinced me to let him get a cat, and we welcomed a Siamese named Ernie into our home. Our little Sesame Street family grew when we took in Oscar, a Miniature Pinscher whose elderly owners had to give him up when they moved into a nursing home.
I’d like to add another pooch to the pack, but my husband is pushing for another cat. After two years of living with Ernie, I can’t say I’ve been entirely won over. Fortunately, science is on my side.
A recent study from Japan explored the relationship between dog and cat ownership and the incidence of disabling dementia. The study’s findings wag a finger in favor of our canine companions, suggesting that the active and social lifestyle they encourage could be a key ingredient in a brain-healthy recipe for aging.
