It has been known for some time that having a pet and having to take care of it helps the elderly to remain physically active as mentally. But which animals help more to keep the brain in shapethus helping to prevent cognitive decline in the third age e senile dementia? Finding an answer to this question was one of the main objectives of a research by the University of Geneva led by Dr. Adriana Rostekova and published on Scientific Reports. Here’s what was discovered …
The differences between dogs and cats
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The study analyzed the data of Over 50,000 peopleall with more than 50 years of age, collected over 18 years sinceEuropean investigation share on health and retirement. In absolute terms, it has been observed that sharing the domestic space with an animal favorably affects cognitive operation by the elderly, but with significant differences depending on whether it is a dog, a cat or another species.
Specifically, it was discovered that pass the time with a dog is particularly helpful to keep a good memoryWhile The Compagnia dei Gatti is a cure -all for verbal skillsthat is, to continue to express themselves fluently in spite of the years that pass. Beneficial effects that, as already highlighted by previous studies, would be induced by the fact that the interaction with a dog induces a greater activation of the prefrontal cortex, while the one with a cat stimulates the lower frontal lap more.
An irrelevant company
“Bocci” instead the fish and birdswhich in turn require attention but which according to the author of the study have no effect on the brain. “The possession of fish and birds He did not show any significant association with cognitive decline. This suggests that the overall effect of the property of a pet on the cognitive decline could be mainly determined by the ownership of dogs and cats, rather than by the ownership of a pet in general, and therefore the specific species of pet owned by an individual influences his possible relationship with cognitive changes “, writes Dr. Adriana Rostekova in presenting her work.
In addition to the brain one, social stimulation must then be considered: live with a dog or a cat helps to contrast lonelinessnow considered one of the Main risk factors For cognitive decline and senile dementia. But even in this case there are differences: if having a dog is in fact a winning factor to weave knowledge with other people when you take it for a walk, the cat’s company can be a solution in itself.
“The animal itself could act as an extension of its social network: previous works have discovered that in the case of strongly fond owners Domestic cats they acted as additional sources of emotional support or even as a substitute for a social network“, We always read in the presentation of the study.
Dog or cat, The company of a pet is however indicated by the research as an extra resource to counter cognitive decline And prevent the onset of forms of senile dementia starting from Alzheimer’s, unfortunately more widespread condition in the western world also and above all for incorrect lifestyles and negative environmental factors.
