Study: Adding pet may offset cognitive decline for some

(CNN)– Having a four-legged friend may slow the rate of cognitive decline among older adults who live alone.

That’s according to a new study that was published earlier this week.

Researchers from China looked at data from nearly 8 thousand people who were 50 or older.

They found pet ownership was associated with slower rates of decline in verbal cognition, verbal memory and fluency in those who lived alone.

Previous studies suggested there may be a link between living alone and an increase of anxiety and depression which can increase the risk of developing Dementia.