“Cold Nose” Method Protects Your Aging Brain

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 23, 2024

Keeping your mind sharp as you age is a priority.

If you’ve been following my suggestions, you may already be taking steps to protect your brain. And that’s fantastic!

Things like taking certain supplements, walking regularly, prioritizing quality sleep, doing challenging crossword puzzles, and playing brain-stimulating games can INDEED support brain health and help head off decline.

But there’s one brain-boosting hack you may have missed…

And as bizarre as it sounds, this one is linked to a “cold nose.”

Confused? Keep reading…

So, what IS this powerful brain-protecting ingredient?

Believe it or not, simply owning a PET could slow cognitive decline to a crawl.

Chinese researchers found that older adults who live alone, but own a pet, perform significantly better on memory, thinking, and reasoning tests than their peers in pet-free homes.

The study included more than 1,800 seniors ages 60 to 70. Around half owned a pet, whether a dog, cat, bird, or fish—even turtles and lizards counted!

And the results DIDN’T surprise me.

After all, having a furry (or scaly) friend around the house drives off loneliness and provides constant mental and physical stimulation to keep those brain cells firing.

For example, taking your pooch for a stroll or playing fetch engages your brain in coordinating movements, navigating routes, and interpreting body language and signals.

And caring for a pet by doing routine things such as grooming, playing, and cleaning up after them is ALSO physically demanding.

That means it gets your blood pumping, improving circulation and sending more oxygen to your thinker.

Even relaxing while petting a purring cat lowers stress hormones and blood pressure, benefitting the brain.

Equally as important, animal companionship is PROVEN to ease anxiety, depression, and loneliness—all conditions that can accelerate cognitive decline if left unchecked.

And remember, pets ALSO encourage social interactions, keeping us engaged with family, friends, and community members, warding off the isolation that can creep in as we age.

Plus, earlier research shows that pet owners tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. And since heart health is closely linked to brain health, this provides yet another avenue for pet ownership to boost cognition.

So, if you want to stay mentally fit through your golden years, head to the local animal shelter and meet your new brain-training partner.

Never underestimate how the responsibility for meeting the needs of another living creature can give you a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.

That being said, not every pet is suited for every individual. Before committing, be sure to do your research and select the companion that’s best for you.

With the right pet by your side, you’ll be taking your brain health into your own hands, armed with a leash (and a poop bag, of course).

And another thing…

Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…

The HIDDEN Harm of Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is a common habit. But new research reveals it could leave you with far worse than just a dry mouth and bad breath.

FINALLY, an Exercise Routine You Can LOVE

Bored to tears by exercise? Is walking on the treadmill as thrilling as watching paint dry? New research reveals the answer to your workout prayers.

Stay “Forever Young” with THIS Taste Bud Trick

Want to stay “forever young”? Research finds you should follow your taste buds to remain healthy and vibrant as you age.

Mailbag: Why Am I DIZZY When I Stand Up?

Low blood pressure and dizziness when standing after sitting or lying down is called orthostatic or postural hypotension. THIS could be the cause…

Tasty FAT Hack SLASHES Heart Risk

Little warning signs could mean your ticker may soon be in trouble. But surprisingly, this one FATTY food can PROTECT your heart.

Clobber Cold Symptoms and Feel Better FAST

There’s no “cure” for the common cold. But that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. These seven steps can have you feeling better FAST.

P.S. Researchers have linked loneliness to THIS startling side effect.

Source:

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

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND