Dementia is caused by changes in the brain brought on by lifestyle factors or genetics.
Scientists have found some ways to slow down how quickly the disease takes over.
A new study published in the medical journal JAMA network shared the benefits of owning a pet.
It looked at 7,945 participants with an average age of 66.3, with 56 per cent of those taking part women.
Owning a pet can slow down the signs of dementia
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It concluded those who owned pets and lived alone were slower to show symptoms associated with dementia.
The study said: "Pet ownership was associated with slower rates of decline in verbal memory and verbal fluency among older adults living alone."
The benefits were seen specifically by those living alone as owning a pet substituted some of the benefits of living with others.
The study continued: "[The same results were not seen] among those living with others, and pet ownership offset the associations between living alone and declining rates in verbal memory and verbal fluency."
While results showed the positives of owning a pet, it warned more research is needed.
Older adults usually experience cognitive decline as they age.
The signs of this are becoming more common with an ageing population.
Anyone who thinks they are experiencing symptoms of dementia should seek medical advice as early detection can be greatly beneficial.
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There are great benefits of owning a pet for those who live alone
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Britons are urged to check for a warning sign at meal times that could indicate the illness.
Smell is an important part of how we taste food and drink.
A declining sense of smell can predict the loss of cognitive function, a new study suggested.
It can indicate structural changes in the regions of the brain relating to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
