Digital dementia? Study says phones, gadgets do not affect cognitive health
In the 21st century, digital technology has occupied a major chunk of our lives. As the evolution of the advancement continues, generative artificial intelligence (AI), including chatbots, has become a daily companion across all generations, but more especially for young adults.
Oftentimes, the younger generation is 'accused' of being too focused on their gadgets and not paying nearly enough attention to other things.
However, a recent study has found, that common habit in young people may have the potential to actually keep the brain sharp in older people.
What does the study say?
How exactly does exposure to technology affect the aging brain? We often fiddle with this question. A recent study from the University of Texas and Baylor University offers valuable insights.
Published in
Nature Human Behaviour
, the study found no evidence supporting the idea of 'digital dementia.' In fact, using computers, smartphones, and the internet may help people over 50 experience less cognitive decline.
What is '
digital dementia
'?
Many have written about the possible negative effects of technology on the brain. The 'digital dementia' idea, introduced by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in 2012, suggests that using digital devices too much weakens our thinking abilities.
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Three main concerns have been raised:
1. More passive screen time, which includes activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media that don't require much thought.
2. Relying on technology for tasks we used to remember, like phone numbers.
3. Becoming more easily distracted.
Why is this new study important?
We know that technology can impact brain development, but its effect on aging brains is less clear. The study by neuropsychologists Jared Benge and Michael Scullin looks at how technology influences older people who have seen big changes in technology throughout their lives.
The researchers performed a meta-analysis, combining the results of many previous studies. They looked for studies about technology use among people over 50 and its link to cognitive decline or dementia, finding 57 studies with data from over 411,000 adults. These studies measured cognitive decline through tests or dementia diagnoses.
Reduced risk of cognitive decline
The study found that greater technology use was linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.
They measured odds, and an odds ratio below 1 shows a reduced risk. In this study, the overall odds ratio was 0.42, meaning higher technology use was associated with a 58% reduced risk of cognitive decline.
This benefit remained even after considering other factors known to contribute to cognitive decline, such as socioeconomic status and health issues.
Interestingly, the impact of technology on brain function was similar or stronger than other protective factors, such as physical activity (about a 35% risk reduction) or keeping healthy blood pressure (about a 13% risk reduction).
However, more studies exist on blood pressure and physical activity. We understand better how they protect our brains.
It is also simpler to measure blood pressure than to evaluate technology use. This study focused on specific technology use aspects but did not include things like brain training games.
These findings are encouraging. However, we cannot yet claim that using technology directly causes better cognitive function.
More research is needed to see if these findings hold true for different groups of people, especially those from low and middle-income countries, who were less represented in this study. We also need to understand why this relationship exists.
But how to effectively use technology?
Today, it's almost impossible to live without some form of technology. We do everything online, from paying bills to booking holidays. Instead of asking if technology is good or bad, we should consider how we use it.
Activities that stimulate our brains, like reading, learning a new language, and playing music, particularly in early adulthood, can help protect our brains as we age. Engaging with technology throughout our lives might also stimulate our memory and thinking. As we learn new software or use a new smartphone, we may build what some call a 'technological reserve' that benefits our brains.
Technology can keep us socially connected and help us maintain our independence longer.
Rapid changes in the digital world
Research shows that not all digital technology is harmful. However, our interaction with technology is changing quickly. The effects of AI on aging brains will become clearer in the future. Our past adaptations to technology suggest that it can support cognitive function, so the future may not be entirely negative. For instance, new brain-computer interfaces may help people with neurological diseases or disabilities.
However, there are real downsides to technology, especially for younger users, such as poorer mental health. Future research can help us understand how to enjoy the benefits of technology while reducing its risks.
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