140. Having a pet protects your brain as you get older
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
We have known for years that owning a dog or cat is associated with lower stress and blood pressure. But new research suggests that having a pet can prevent cognitive decline as you get older. Researchers at the University of Michigan collected cognitive data from over 1,300 older adults with normal cognitive skills. The participants were given multiple cognitive tests over the next six years so that the researchers could develop a cognitive score for each person. They found that cognitive scores decreased at a slower rate in pet owners. The protection against brain and cognitive decline was greatest for those who had a pet for a long period of time.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
