Which pet is best for dementia patients?
Owning a cat or dog slows the condition and even helps treat it. It may not even matter if the animal is real.
Cheryl Yates gave her father, Robert Wyatt, a robotic cat in his final weeks. Robert, who had dementia, named the cat Buddy and believed it was real.
“He was so happy to have a kitty again,” his daughter said. “This cat gave him so much comfort and joy.”
Stories like this highlight the profound emotional benefits that pets – real or robotic – can offer.
Even better news: pets are not just companions for patients nearing their final days but have been shown to lower the risk of developing dementia.
Despite the documented charms of Buddy the robot cat, it seems real dogs rule.
A United Kingdom study from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), involving more than 7,000 older adults, found that dog owners have a 40% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those without pets.
The 2023 study tracked participants over four years and revealed that dog owners who were socially or physically active – those who took regular walks or had chats with other owners at the dog park – saw this protective effect increase by an additional 20%.
Certainly, the emotional bonds and exchange with a pet dog keep one’s mind active and engaged – but the researchers believe it is the forced physical activity that dog ownership brings that wards off dementia.
Dogs demand regular exercise, which keeps owners active and supports brain health. Daily walks, playtime, and even the social interactions that come with dog ownership (like meeting other pet owners) are known to reduce cognitive decline.
The routine and responsibility of caring for a dog also provide mental stimulation, which may help keep the brain sharp.
The study showed that while cats delivered some benefits, there was no significant link between cat ownership and reduced dementia risk in the general population. Unlike dogs, cats typically require less physical activity from their owners, which might explain the difference.
The ELSA study did show that people living in isolation with a cat (or dog) experienced slower declines in memory and verbal fluency compared to those without pets.
For these individuals, the companionship of a cat – with its purring and affectionate moments – can help combat loneliness, a known risk factor for dementia. So, while cats don’t offer the same broad protection as dogs, they can still make a difference in specific circumstances.
Beyond the physical activity that pet ownership, especially dog ownership, can bring, engaging with pets can help people living with dementia to:
Express their emotions
Feel validated and have a sense of purpose in caring for the animal
Reminisce about pets they owned, stimulating long and short-term memory
Enjoy a sense of comfort and security via a tactile and sensory experience
Engage in positive social behaviour such as smiling, laughing, and eye contact.
Interacting with animals can be effective as an alternative to medication for a person with changed behaviour due to dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society UK, caring for a pet can boost self-esteem and encourage independence. The routine of feeding or stroking a pet can keep a person engaged, while the unconditional love of an animal brings joy and laughter.
However, experts caution against rushing into owning a pet. It’s not suitable for everyone.
The Alzheimer’s Society advises considering whether the person has the mental capacity to understand the responsibilities involved, such as feeding, grooming, or taking the pet to the vet.
That’s where robot pets could be an option. Along with animal visits and even cuddly toys, mechanical pets can provide similar calming effects without the demands of pet ownership.
Related reading: Alzheimer’s Society UK, Hello Care, UQ, Dementia Australia
