Digital technology uses a lower risk of cognitive decline

While the first generation that interacts with digital technology reaches an age when the risks of emerging dementia, scientists asked the question: is there a correlation between the use of digital technology and an increased risk of dementia? With the phrases “Brain rot” and “brain flight” circulating on social networks, it would seem that most people assumed that the answer is yes. However, a new study in Nature Human behavior By neuroscientists from Baylor University and the University of Texas at the Austin Dell Medical School reveal the opposite – digital technologies are in fact associated with reduced Cognitive decline.

Study – A meta-analysis of the use of technology and cognitive aging – was triggered by continuous concern concerning the passive activity of digital technologies and their relationship with the acceleration of dementia risks. The study co-authors are Jared F. Benedict, Ph.D., Clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of neurology at the Dell Medical School and Ut Health Austin’s CONCECURESIVE Memory Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neuroscience, and Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience in Baylor.

You can return the news almost any day and you will see people talking about how technologies hurt us. People often use the terms “brain flight” and “brain rot” and now digital dementia is an emerging sentence. As researchers, we wanted to know if it was true. “”

Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience in Baylor

The hypothesis of “digital dementia” predicts that a life of exposure to digital technology will worsen cognitive capacities. On the contrary, the results of the study question this hypothesis, indicating rather that engagement with digital technology promotes cognitive resilience in these adults. By examining more than 136 studies with data that includes more than 400,000 adults, and longitudinal studies with an average of 6 years of follow -up, Scullin and Benge found convincing evidence that the use of digital technology is associated with better cognitive aging results, rather than damage.

The researchers’ study supported the “technological reserve” hypothesis, noting that digital technologies can promote behavior that preserve cognition. In fact, their study has revealed that the use of digital technology is correlated with a 58%risk of cognitive impairment. This cognitive protection model persisted when researchers controlled socioeconomic status, education, age, sex, basic cognitive capacity, social support, overall health and commitment with mental activities such as reading that could have explained the results.

Increased problem solving skills

Scullin said that for some, these results are surprising because the use of technology is often associated with being sedentary both physically and mentally. However, for the current generation of older adults who have been initiated into the first technological progress – computers, internet and smartphones – past their childhood, the use of technology is cognitively difficult because it is constantly evolving.

“One of the first things that adults of middle age and the oldest said is that” I am so frustrated by this computer. It’s difficult to learn “. It is actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which can be beneficial for the brain even if it does not feel well in the moment.” Said Scullin.

Technology requires a constant adaptation, he said, as understanding new software updates, troubleshooting the loss of the Internet or filtering website announcements.

“If you do this for years and you really get involved with him, even if you might feel frustration, this can be a sign that you exercise your brain,” he said.

Social connection

Technology also allows communication and engagement like never before, which can expand connectivity opportunities. Video calls, emails and messaging applications help to maintain social networks, especially for people who do not regularly see family members.

“Now you can connect with generation families,” said Scullin. “You can not only talk to them, you can see them. You can share images. You can exchange emails and everything is in a second or less. It therefore means that there is a greater opportunity to reduce loneliness.”

Better social connectivity is a well -documented correlate of cognitive operation in the elderly, providing a link between a decrease in the isolation of digital technologies and a reduction in the risk of dementia.

Impact of “digital scaffolding”

A dementia diagnosis is indicated in part when cognitive changes cause loss of independence with daily tasks. Tools such as digital reminders, GPS navigation and online banking services allow the elderly to remain independent despite the cognitive difficulties thanks to digital scaffolding.

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

“While clinical practice continues to progress towards an individualized approach and precision precision, it will be necessary for the field to identify for whom and for how long, such digital scaffolding is effective,” said the researchers.

Promote use of healthy technology

While Scullin recognizes the negative effects of technology, such as the distraction of driving or the use of technology in relation to an interaction in the face of coherent face, it also emphasizes how the promotion of healthy use of digital tools in the elderly is beneficial for their cognitive health.

“If you have a parent or a grandparent who stays away from technology, maybe revisiting this. Could they learn to use photo, messaging or calendar applications on a smartphone or tablet? Start simple and be very patient while they learn,” he said.

The use of social media is another very debated subject in terms of cognitive effects. Although it says that it is difficult to predict the cognitive effects of constantly scrolling on Tiktok, Scullin says that the generation of creative cognition videos could be beneficial. In addition, he said that interaction with online communities can offer advantages by establishing social ties.

“We could spend a lot of time talking in all the specific ways of which the use of technology can be bad. However, the net effect since the 1990s has been positive for overall cognition in the elderly,” he said.