Pet Dogs Linked to 48% Lower Dementia Risk in Elderly, Japanese Study Finds

Elderly people who own pet dogs are nearly half as likely to develop dementia as their non-dog-owning counterparts, a seven-year study in Japan has found. The research, which analyzed health data from over 10,000 Tokyo residents aged 65 and older, also revealed a significant reduction in mortality risk for dog owners.

Researchers from the National Institute for Environmental Studies, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, and the University of Tokyo tracked participants from 2016 to 2023. They found that dog owners had a 48% lower risk of developing dementia requiring care services. Furthermore, the mortality rate among elderly dog owners was 37% lower than among those without dogs.

The study estimates that dog ownership could save approximately 592 billion yen (about $3.8 billion USD) in healthcare and long-term care costs over four years. The research team identified changes in lifestyle habits as a key factor. Daily dog walks naturally increase moderate-intensity physical activity, and caring for a dog can lead to more social interactions with neighbors and others.

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Many elderly people hesitate to get a dog, but this study shows the possibility that living with a pet dog can prevent dementia and curb public medical and care service costs.

Psychological benefits, such as increased oxytocin secretion through interaction with dogs and alleviation of loneliness, were also cited as contributing factors. Despite these advantages, only 8.6% of the surveyed elderly lived with a pet dog, and only 13.4% expressed a desire to own one. Many seniors reportedly avoid dog ownership due to concerns about their ability to care for the animal if their health declines.

Dr. Yu Taniguchi, a senior researcher at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, stated that while many elderly individuals hesitate to get a dog, the study demonstrates the potential for pet ownership to prevent dementia and reduce public healthcare costs. He suggested that society should support systems that ensure dogs are cared for throughout their lives, even if owners can no longer manage, allowing seniors to live with their pets without worry.

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We need to build a system where dogs are cared for until the end of their lives, even in cases where ownership becomes difficult, to help the elderly live with their pets with peace of mind.