A wide meta analysis found that regular use of a smartphone, computer and internet is linked to a 58 percent lower risk of cognitive decline.
Older adults who frequently use digital technology benefit not only from convenience but possibly also from protection for the brain.
A new study that analyzes 57 previous studies found that daily use of tools such as smartphones, computers and the internet is linked to a much lower risk of cognitive decline among people over the age of 50.
The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour and cited in the Washington Post, found that among the participants whose average age was 69, regular use of technology was accompanied by a 58 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to older adults who used it less.
However, the researchers emphasize that the link is not necessarily proof of causality, meaning it is possible that technology is not what prevents dementia but that the people who use it already have higher cognitive abilities.
Even so, the emerging picture is positive.
Protecting the brain with technology and artificial intelligence
“We saw that older adults who use technology regularly receive fewer diagnoses of dementia and mild cognitive impairment and also achieve better results in cognitive measures,” said Gerald Benji, a researcher and neuropsychologist from a school of medicine at a university in Texas.
Even after the researchers took into account factors such as education and economic status, the positive link between technological use and cognitive health remained stable.
So why might technology help the brain.
The analysis suggests three possible mechanisms:
Mental challenge.
Use of apps, solving digital puzzles or dealing with technical problems stimulates the brain.
Strengthening social connections.
Social networks and video calls reduce loneliness, a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
Compensation for difficulties.
Tools such as GPS navigation help deal with memory limitations and reduce cognitive load.
Dr. Morali Duraiswamy, director of a cognitive disorders program at Duke University, told the New York Times that the findings “reverse the perception that technology is always harmful.”
According to him, only older adults who are able to use technology will benefit from it, but “the study is refreshing and thought provoking and worthy of further investigation.”