Digital technology use linked to lower risk of cognitive decline

Because the first generation to interact with digital technology reaches an era in which dementia risks emerge, scientists have asked the question: is there a connection between the use of digital technology and an increased risk of dementia? With the sentences “brain rot” and “brain drain” that circulate on social media, it seems that most people assume that the answer is yes. A new study, however Nature human behavior By neuroscientists at Baylor University and the University of Texas of Austin dell Medical School, the opposite – digital technologies are actually associated with reduced cognitive decline.

The study – A meta-analysis of technology use and cognitive aging – was fueled by the constant concern about the passive activity of digital technologies and their relationship to accelerating risks of dementia. Study covers are Jared F. Benge, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist and university teacher Neurology at the Comprehensive Memory Center of the Mulva clinic of Dell Medical School and Ut Health Austin in the Mulva clinic for the Neurosciences, and Michael K.D., Ph.D.,,,, Ph.D.,,,, Ph.D.,,,, Ph.D.,,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.,,, Ph.D.D.,,,, Ph.D.D.. Baylor.

You can turn the news on almost every day and you will see people talking about how technologies harm us. People often use the terms ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot’ and now digital dementia is an emerging sentence. As researchers we wanted to know if this was true. “

Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., Assistantial teacher Psychology and Neurosciences at Baylor

The “digital dementia” hypothesis predicts that lifelong exposure to digital technology will worsen cognitive skills. On the contrary, the findings of the study challenge this hypothesis, indicating that involvement in digital technology promotes cognitive resilience among these adults. When assessing more than 136 studies with data that include more than 400,000 adults, and longitudinal studies with an average of 6 years of follow-up data, Scullin and Benge found it convincing evidence that the use of digital technology is associated with better cognitive aging results, instead of damage.

The researchers’ study supported the “technological reserve” hypothesis and thought that digital technologies could promote behavior that retain cognition. Their research even showed that the use of digital technology correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. This pattern of cognitive protection continued to exist when the researchers checked for socio -economic status, education, age, gender, baseline cognitive capacity, social support, general health and involvement in mental activities such as reading that may have explained the findings.

Increase in problem -solving skills

Scullin said that these findings are surprising for some, because technology use is often associated with being both physically and mentally sitting. For the current generation of older adults who were introduced into the first technological progress – computers, internet and smartphones – beyond their youth, the use of technology is cognitive challenging because it is everganing.

“One of the first things that said middle -aged and older adults is that” I am so frustrated by this computer. This is hard to learn. ” That is actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which may be beneficial for the brain, even if it doesn’t feel great at the moment, “Scullin said.

Technology requires constant adjustment, he said, such as understanding new software updates, solving internet loss or filtering out website advertisements.

“If you do that for years and you are really doing it, although you may experience frustration, it can be a sign that you play your brain,” he said.

Social connection

Technology also makes communication and involvement possible like never before, which can expand opportunities for connectivity. Video calls, e -mails and messages -apps help to maintain social networks, especially for people who would otherwise not see their family members regularly.

“Now you can assemble with families in different generations,” said Scullin. “You can’t only talk to them, you can see them. You can share photos. You can exchange e -mails and it is all within a second or less. So that means there is a greater chance of reducing loneliness.”

Better social connection is a well -documented correlation of cognitive functioning in older adults, which offers a connection between reduced insulation of digital technologies and reduced risks of dementia.

Impact of “digital scaffolding”

A diagnosis of dementia is partially indicated when cognitive changes lead to a loss of independence with daily tasks. Tools such as digital memories, GPS navigation and online banking enable older adults to remain independent despite cognitive problems due to digital scaffolding.

According to the research article, this digital scaffolding facilitates “better functional results in older adults, while general cognitive functioning is decreasing.” Technologies can serve as a compensatory support system to maintain general independence and to reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis, even with the presence of a cognitive decline.

“As the clinical practice continues to go to an individualized, precision medicine approach, it will be necessary for the field to identify for those and how long, such a digital scaffolding is effective,” the researchers said.

Promote healthy technology use

Although Scullin recognizes the negative effects of technology, such as derived or using technology about consistent face-to-face interaction, he also emphasizes how promoting a healthy use of digital tools in older adults is beneficial for their cognitive health.

“If you have a parent or grandparent who just stays away from technology, it may be possible to visit that. They can learn to use photo, messages or agenda apps on a smartphone or tablet? Start easily and be very patiently while they learn,” he said.

The use of social media is another highly debated topic in terms of cognitive effects. Although he says it is difficult to predict the cognitive effects of endless scrolling on TIKTOK, Scullin claims that generating videos through creative cognition can be favorable. Moreover, he said that interaction with communities can offer online benefits by forming social connections.

“We can talk for a long time about all the specific ways in which technology use can be poor. The net effect since the 1990s has been positive for the overall cognition in older adults,” he said.