Interacting with digital devices appears to significantly lower the chances of cognitive decline in adults who are middle-aged or older, with a 58 percent reduction in risk, according to findings published in Nature Human Behavior.
In their work, researchers combed through 57 separate studies to assess whether long-term exposure to modern technology has helped or hindered mental functioning in adults who grew up during the digital age. These studies tracked data from more than 411,000 participants, most of whom were around 69 years old.
The researchers concluded that technology may actually help safeguard cognitive abilities rather than impair them. “There was no credible evidence from the longitudinal studies, or the meta-analysis as a whole, for widespread digital ‘brain drain’ or ‘digital dementia’ as a result of general, natural uses of digital technology,” wrote Jared Benge, a clinical neuropsychologist at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School, and Michael Scullin, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University.
The study pointed to a few explanations for this effect. For one, keeping up with rapidly changing technology may provide valuable mental exercise. Additionally, digital tools can enhance social connectivity, which has been linked to better brain health among seniors.
In a statement released by Baylor University, Scullin encouraged families to help their older relatives become more comfortable with using devices. “If you have a parent or grandparent who’s just staying away from technology, maybe revisit that. Could they learn to use photo, messaging, or calendar apps on a smartphone or tablet?”
{Matzav.com}