Researchers working on the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research Health and Retirement Study are sharing some good news they discovered about the benefits of pet ownership for older adults.

In an interview with CNN, they reported findings that show the companionship of a pet may slow the progression of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. Living with a pet was especially helpful in the area of verbal memory.

They also found that besides cats and dogs, owning rabbits, hamsters, birds, fish, and reptiles was beneficial too.

Owning a pet for 5 years or more provided the most benefits, especially when compared with people who owned no pets.

What’s the connection between pet ownership and slowed cognitive decline? The study is still ongoing, but the researchers note that pet ownership can reduce stress and stress has been linked to poor brain health.

Interacting with a beloved pet reduces blood pressure and the level of stress hormones like cortisol. Of course, pet ownership also provides companionship and a sense of purpose for older adults, especially if they live alone.

While the researchers are not prescribing pets as a cure for memory loss or dementia, they do note that helping older adults keep their pets as their situations change can be useful.

Lower-income older adults can benefit from the removal of pet fees in rental housing, low-cost veterinary care, and options for boarding/foster care if they are unable to care for their pets during a temporary health crisis.

“Having a pet or multiple pets combines many core components of a brain-healthy lifestyle,” notes one Alzheimer’s expert interviewed for the article.  “Cognitive engagement, socialization, physical activity and having a sense of purpose can separately, or even more so in combination, address key modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease dementia.”