The Impact of Pets on Dementia

September 3, 2025
  • Emma Cass

Pets have long been considered faithful companions, but research is increasingly suggesting they may also play an important role in brain health. Studies are beginning to uncover strong links between dementia and pets, demonstrating that pets, particularly dogs and cats, may have significant benefits for patients with dementia.

For families considering the best pets for individuals with dementia, the choice often comes down to the individual’s needs, lifestyle, and stage of illness. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, or even robotic pets, these companions can provide meaningful support for those living with memory loss.

Are Pets Good for Individuals with Dementia?
The big question is, “Are pets good for dementia patients?” The short answer is yes, the long answer is that pets can help those with dementia in many areas of their lives.

Loneliness

  • Loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 31%1 and exacerbates cognitive decline in those with dementia2.  Pets are able to counteract these negative effects by stimulating interaction between the patient and the pet, thus reducing feelings of loneliness3. Pet ownership, specifically the ability to nurture and care for an animal, has been found to be associated with a slower decline in verbal memory and verbal fluency among older adults living alone, highlighting some of the benefits of pets for those with dementia4.

Mental Health

  • Depression and anxiety are very common in individuals with dementia, and pets are also very beneficial in improving these mental health symptoms5. While research on the impact of pets on depression is limited, there is substantial evidence that pet ownership or interaction reduces symptoms of anxiety. Specifically, human-animal interaction is shown to lower stress symptoms such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure6.

Functional Capacity

  • Pets have also been shown to enhance functional capacity and slow disease progression in patients with dementia. Functional capacity includes the ability to perform daily tasks such as eating, walking, bathing, and dressing7. When it comes to slowing disease progression, the most significant results are seen in long-term pet owners, with the strongest benefits observed in areas such as verbal memory8.

Physical Activity

  • Regular physical activity is a known protective factor against dementia, and it is also thought to slow dementia progression9,10, While dogs encourage the highest levels of physical activity through daily walks, even simple actions like petting or caring for an animal contributes to increased movement and daily activity11.

Best Pets for Individuals with Dementia

  • Dogs and cats are the superior pets for individuals with cognitive impairment and have been found to have the most notable benefits in slowing cognitive decline as compared to other species12. While dogs offer the added benefit of promoting regular physical activity through daily walks, cats may be easier for those with dementia to care for. Although less researched, birds and fish may also be good choices, as some studies have found observing them to improve mental health and increase relaxation12. Ultimately, the choice of pet should be based on the individual’s abilities, needs, and living situation. 

Robotic Pets 

For individuals who may not be able to care for a live animal, robotic pets are emerging as a promising alternative. Positive impacts of robotic pets include improved mood, communication, social interaction, and companionship14. Although live feedback from living animals has substantial benefits, technology is advancing, and robotic animals are becoming increasingly similar to real ones. Additionally, robotic animals may be a more suitable option for individuals concerned about hygiene or the responsibilities of animal care. As these technologies continue to evolve, robotic pets may offer a practical way to extend the benefits of animal companionship to those living with dementia who cannot manage the demands of traditional pet ownership.

Conclusion 

Whether through the companionship of a dog or a cat, or the innovative support of robotic animals, pets can enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. From reducing loneliness and anxiety to encouraging physical activity and supporting cognitive function, the benefits of pets are deeply meaningful. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pets for individuals with dementia, tailoring the choice of pet to a person’s needs and abilities can provide significant benefits. As a whole, pets, both real and robotic, are a powerful tool in supporting those with dementia. 

References

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  2. Cardona M, Andrés P. Are social isolation and loneliness associated with cognitive decline in ageing? Front Aging Neurosci. 2023;15:1075563. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1075563
  3. Quintavalla F, Cao S, Spinelli D, et al. Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapies on Cognitive Mnemonic Capabilities in People Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Animals. 2021;11(5):1366. doi:10.3390/ani11051366
  4. Li Y, Wang W, Zhu L, et al. Pet Ownership, Living Alone, and Cognitive Decline Among Adults 50 Years and Older. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(12):e2349241. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49241
  5. Orgeta V, Leung P, del-Pino-Casado R, et al. Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia and mild cognitive impairment – Orgeta, V – 2022 | Cochrane Library. Published online 2022. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009125.pub3/full
  6. Välimäki T, Koivisto A, Kärkkäinen V, Selander T, Hongisto K, Rusanen M. Pet ownership supports quality of life in home‐dwelling people with Alzheimer’s disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2022;37(4):10.1002/gps.5698. doi:10.1002/gps.5698
  7. Rusanen M, Selander T, Kärkkäinen V, Koivisto A. The Positive Effects of Pet Ownership on Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2021;84(4):1669-1675. doi:10.3233/JAD-210557
  8. Applebaum JW, Shieu MM, McDonald SE, Dunietz GL, Braley TJ. The impact of sustained ownership of a pet on cognitive health: A population-based study. J Aging Health. 2023;35(3-4):230-241. doi:10.1177/08982643221122641
  9. Yamasaki T. Preventive Strategies for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Benefits of Aerobic Physical Activity, Especially Open-Skill Exercise. Brain Sci. 2023;13(3):521. doi:10.3390/brainsci13030521
  10. Devanand DP, Masurkar AV, Wisniewski T. Vigorous, regular physical exercise may slow disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(4):1592-1597. doi:10.1002/alz.12946
  11. Opdebeeck C, Katsaris MA, Martyr A, et al. What Are the Benefits of Pet Ownership and Care Among People With Mild-to-Moderate Dementia? Findings From the IDEAL programme. J Appl Gerontol. 2021;40(11):1559-1567. doi:10.1177/0733464820962619
  12. Rostekova A, Lampraki C, Maurer J, Meier C, Wieczorek M, Ihle A. Longitudinal relationships between pet ownership and cognitive functioning in later adulthood across pet types and individuals’ ages. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):19066. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-03727-9
  13. Ebener J, Oh H. A Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Long-Term Care Facilities. Act Adapt Aging. 2017;41(2):107-128. doi:10.1080/01924788.2017.1306380
  14. Koh WQ, Ang FXH, Casey D. Impacts of Low-cost Robotic Pets for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Scoping Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2021;8(1):e25340. doi:10.2196/25340