Dog ownership linked to lower dementia risk in elderly

A research team including the National Institute for Environmental Studies has announced that dog ownership is linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia requiring nursing care. Following a 7.5-year tracking study of over 11,000 elderly individuals, researchers found that dog owners had a 48% lower risk of dementia compared to those who have never owned a dog.

The study also suggests that this trend could lead to a reduction in public medical and long-term care expenditures. While the health benefits are significant, the costs associated with dog ownership vary by breed size, with annual expenses typically ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 yen covering food, medical care, and daily necessities.