Rather than driving dementia as we age, new research suggests the use of smartphones and other similar devices may actually be protecting us against cognitive decline.
Researchers examined published studies that assessed the impact of these devices on mental skills in more than 400,000 older adults. They found that people over 50 who regularly use smartphones, tablets, and other devices have lower cognitive decline rates than people who use them less often.
However, the researchers could not confirm whether the tech itself is driving the protection, or simply that people with better cognitive skills may use these devices more frequently. Regardless, say the scientists, the findings raise questions around the idea that these devices promote what’s known as ‘digital dementia.’
This is not the first time these devices have been associated with potentially positive cognitive development. In fact, in 2001, as reported at the time in The Dallas Express, a senior student from the Dallas ISD even built an app intended for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Known as AlzBuddy, the app was designed as an interactive memory care assistant to engage seniors.
“For the first generation that was exposed to digital tools, their use is associated with better cognitive functioning,” said Dr Jared Benge, a clinical neuropsychologist in UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center.
“This is a more hopeful message than one might expect given concerns about brain rot, brain drain, and digital dementia,” said Benge about the latest findings, per The Guardian.
The latest study found no evidence to support the hypothesis of digital dementia. Instead, it discovered that using digital devices was tied to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. However, it cautioned that the way we use technology is also important.
“Using digital devices in the way that we use televisions – passive and sedentary, both physically and mentally – is not likely to be beneficial,” said Benge’s colleague, Dr Michael Scullin.
“But, our computers and smartphones also can be mentally stimulating, afford social connections, and provide compensation for cognitive abilities that are declining with ageing. These latter types of uses have long been regarded as beneficial for cognitive ageing.”
Sam Gilbert, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, echoed Scullin’s sentiment, while cautious of the study’s shortcomings.
“The explanation for this link is still not fully clear: we cannot be sure whether technology usage itself preserves cognitive ability, whether preserved cognitive ability leads to more frequent use of technology, or – most likely – some combination of the two. Nevertheless, this work challenges alarmist ideas about so-called ‘digital dementia’ and instead suggests that using digital technology can be good for brain health.”