Three Things to Know
Building on previous research demonstrating the positive impact of pet ownership on daily living, researchers hypothesized that dog ownership could specifically benefit older adults by reducing their risk of developing dementia.
Analyzing data from a four-year long community survey of over 10,000 elderly individuals, the study found that current dog owners had a 40% lower risk of developing disabling dementia compared to those who had never owned dogs or no longer owned dogs. This protective effect was not observed for cat owners.
The researchers suggest that the benefits of dog ownership on dementia risk may stem from the physical and social aspects of dog walking. They emphasize the importance of supporting older adults in maintaining pet ownership and an active lifestyle that includes regular dog walks.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
This research validates the benefits of programs like “Senior for Senior,” which pair senior citizens with senior dogs, as recognized by many dog welfare organizations. These programs are particularly beneficial when the dog enjoys social interaction, and organizations should actively encourage their owners to adopt an active lifestyle to reap the utmost benefits.
Dog welfare organizations should expand such programs and explore new initiatives for seniors who may not be able to provide full-time care. This may involve targeted dog walking activities and social networks for elderly citizens. To support this expansion, organizations should actively seek funding from foundations focused on aging populations.
When considering surrender or euthanasia decisions, shelters and veterinarians should acknowledge the significant loss of physical and social stimulation that an elderly owner may experience without their pet. Alternative solutions, such as temporary foster care or assistance with pet care, should be explored whenever possible.
The Full Picture
Previous studies have shown that owning a pet, especially a dog, can have significant health benefits. These include a longer lifespan, better daily living, and a lower risk of becoming frail. Dog owners are less likely to develop frailty and disabilities, and they generally live longer.
Dementia, a major cause of frailty and disability in older adults, is often linked to inactivity and loneliness. Dog ownership can help address both these issues. Regular walks with a dog encourage physical activity, which is known to protect against cognitive decline and dementia.
This study, titled “Protective effects of dog ownership against the onset of disabling dementia in older community-dwelling Japanese: A longitudinal study”, investigates the hypothesis that owning a dog may help prevent dementia by promoting exercise and reducing social isolation. The findings of this research will provide valuable information on how to improve the health of older people and reduce their risk of developing dementia.
Study Methods
This study utilized data from the Ota Genki Senior Project, a community-wide initiative conducted in Ota City, Tokyo, Japan, beginning in 2016. The initial cohort comprised approximately 10% of independent residents aged 65-84 years who were not receiving long-term care.
Participants provided data on pet ownership (dogs or cats), including past experience. Dementia diagnosis and severity were determined using the Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system. The study also considered various variables such as sociodemographic factors (sex, age, marital status, income), health conditions (chronic diseases, physical health indicators), social factors (social isolation, neighbor interactions), and physical activity levels. Participants were followed for approximately four years to track the development of disabling dementia using LTCI data.
Study Results
The study included 11,194 participants with an average age of 74.2 years. Women comprised 51.5% of the sample. The average household size was 2.3, and 67.1% of participants were married. Regarding pet ownership, 8.6% of participants currently owned a dog, and 6.3% owned a cat.
During the four-year follow-up period, 5.0% of participants developed disabling dementia. Current dog owners had a 40% lower odds of developing disabling dementia compared to those who don’t have dogs. On the other hand, cat ownership did not show a significant protective effect against dementia.
Further analysis explored the interplay between dog ownership, exercise, and social isolation.
- Exercise: Current dog owners who exercised regularly had a 63% lower risk of dementia compared to non-dog owners who did not exercise.
- Social Isolation: Dog owners with no social isolation had a 59% lower risk compared to non-dog owners experiencing social isolation.
These findings suggest that the benefits of dog ownership on dementia risk may be amplified by regular exercise and reduced social isolation. Specifically, dog walking promotes both moderate-intensity physical activity and social interaction, both of which are known to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. In contrast, the protective effects of dog ownership were not observed among dog owners who did not engage in regular exercise or social activities related to dog care. Cat ownership was not found to have a significant impact on dementia risk in this study.
Conclusion
This study provides novel evidence that dog ownership may offer protection against the onset of disabling dementia in older adults. This finding adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the numerous health benefits of dog ownership, including reduced frailty, disability, and mortality risk.
Incorporating dog care into dementia prevention strategies may be a valuable approach. Dog ownership can naturally encourage both regular physical activity (through walking) and social interaction, both of which are crucial for maintaining cognitive health. The positive impact of dog ownership on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasizes the potential of dog care to support physical and social activity, even during periods of increased isolation.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that continued pet care requires adequate social support systems for older adults. This may include assistance with veterinary care, dog walking services, and social networks for pet owners.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > What Dogs Bring > Elderies & Seniors
Year of Publication:
2023
External Link:
Yu Taniguchi, Satoshi Seino, Tomoko Ikeuchi, Toshiki Hata, Shoji Shinkai, Akihiko Kitamura, Yoshinori Fujiwara, Protective effects of dog ownership against the onset of disabling dementia in older community-dwelling Japanese: A longitudinal study, Preventive Medicine Reports, Volume 36, 2023, 102465, ISSN 2211-3355, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102465