The first generation that has been constantly exposed to digital technology has reached the age where symptoms of dementia tend to emerge.
Some have affirmed that digital technology could negatively affect cognitive skills, but researchers at the University of Baylor have discovered the opposite.
“You can turn the news about almost any day and you will see people talking about how technologies are damaging us,” said study co -author Michael Scullin in a press release.
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“People often use the terms ‘brain drainage’ and ‘brain rot’, and now ‘digital dementia’ is an emerging phrase. As researchers, we wanted to know if this was true,” said Scullin.
A new hypothesis called “Digital Dementia” predicts that a lifetime of exposure to digital technology could negatively affect cognitive skills. (Istock)
The researchers analyzed previous studies to determine the impact of technology on mental aging. His findings, which were published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, suggest that digital technologies can preserve cognitive skills.
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For the meta-reference, the researchers analyzed more than 136 studies that included 400,000 adults, with an average of six years of follow-up data.
The team concluded that the use of digital technology correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment, even after adjusting by gender, age and level of education.
The use of digital technology correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment, according to the study. (Istock)
A factor that contributes, according to Scullin, could be the cognitive challenges faced by older adults by interacting with technology.
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“One of the first things said by medium -age and older adults is that ‘I am very frustrated by this computer. This is difficult to learn,” he said in the statement.
“That is actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which can be beneficial for the brain, even if you don’t feel good at the time.”
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Technology can be cognitively challenging because it is always changing, forcing users to learn and adapt, the researchers said. This “exercises” the brain and helps keep it sharp.
Because technology is always changing, it forces brains to adapt and strengthen, according to researchers involved in the study. (Istock)
Dementia diagnoses often imply the loss of ability to perform daily tasks independently, such as taking pills, monitoring appointments and navigating instructions, according to the Alzheimer’s Research UK website.
Digital tools such as web calendars, telephone reminders and navigation applications can allow greater independence in older adults.
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The study found that the “digital scaffolding”, the process of using these tools to perform daily tasks, “facilitates better functional results in older adults, while general cognitive functioning decreases.”
A very discussed aspect of the effect of digital technology on our brains is the use of social networks, but according to researchers, not everything is bad.
Researchers say that a technology benefit is the greatest potential for social connection. (Istock)
Another benefit of digital technology, according to experts, is the capacity of adult aging to maintain social connections, which has been related to a decrease in the risk of dementia.
“You can now connect with families in all generations,” Scullin said.
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“Not only can you talk to them, you can see them. You can share photos. You can exchange emails, and everything is within a second or less. That means there is a greater opportunity to reduce loneliness.”
