Dementia Support Line
Advice
Spending time with pets, whether you have dementia or not
We ask people about how they keep well, whether they have dementia or not. This issue, we hear about being with cats and dogs.
Joanne Redhead, East Yorkshire
I take Dad and my pet dog, Poppy, out together for a walk at least once a week. The walks are good exercise and mean that Dad gets fresh air. I’ve lost weight and it gets Dad out, instead of being sat down all day indoors.
I also take Poppy into the care home, where all the residents can stroke and talk to her. Dogs are good for people who have dementia.
I work full time, but I make as much time as I can to do this.
Joanne with Poppy.
Louisa Bull, London
I used to foster cats and I still do crafts with Cats Protection online workshops, including hand embroidery, mosaic coasters or needle felting.
Doing new activities helps me to be mindful and active online, so that I do not have to go out on a specific date but join in when I feel able to.
Jeanette Lee, with Alzheimer’s, Shropshire
I have a pet dog called Dolly and enjoy taking her for a walk.
I just love dogs, and being with my husband and Dolly.
Alison Pope, South West England
I own three cats, and I actively follow and support a range of national and international animal charities. I also endeavour to have a wildlife-friendly garden.
Spending time with pets is beneficial to my and my family’s health and wellbeing.
I’m motivated by the joy of owning pets and rescue animals, and the need to conserve and protect the natural world.
Helena Barroso Zarco, Sydney
I love being surrounded by dogs. I’ve looked after my friends’ dogs when I was living in the UK, and now I’m in Australia too. I often think that dogs are better than humans!
Walking dogs or playing with them at least once a week is just great.
It’s fun, enjoyable and entertaining. It helps me to disconnect and get out of my house more often.
Kerry Allan, East Yorkshire
Walking my dogs daily and learning about animal behaviour.
As soon as I am with my dogs, they keep me going.
It’s good for my physical and mental health.
Live well, stay well
Some things that affect your chance of developing dementia are things you can’t change, like your age and genes.
However, you can keep your mind and body active, enjoy healthier food, not smoke, drink less alcohol, stay in touch with people and deal with any health problems. If you already have dementia, the same things can help you to stay well.
NHS Live Well has wellness advice for everyone.