Long-term tech use may lessen likelihood of cognitive decline, according to Texas scientists.
Aging Population and Technology: The Mind-Boosting Connection
As the first generation accustomed to technology nears retirement, a team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University decided to explore a theory: excessive tech use might negatively impact cognitive function over time. To their surprise, they discovered the exact opposite: technology use over time reduced the risk of cognitive decline by a significant 42%!
Dr. Donna Newsome, a neurologist at Texas Health Plano, weighed in on the findings, explaining that the benefits are presumably due to the dynamic nature of technology, which requires constant learning and adapting. While passive entertainment like TV may not stimulate the brain much, using technology like email, the internet, smartphones, and computers necessitates continuous brain exercise.
Dr. Newsome shared her thoughts, saying, "With TV, you can be a couch potato. TV is technology, but being a couch potato's not really going to help your brain develop... Whereas technology in the digital world - the email, internet, computers, smartphones - you are actually using your brain to learn something new."
At the root of this newfound insight lies the idea that, as with physical exercise, an active mind keeps the brain healthy and strong. Sleep, nutrition, and social interaction are all essential for maintaining brain health, just like our bodies. Dr. Newsome cautions that retirement should not mean giving up mental stimulation: "You still need to engage - maybe something different - to keep that brain active. Otherwise, you can increase your risk of developing cognitive impairment."
Some might argue that our modern reliance on technology is excessive and is detrimental to cognitive function. However, Dr. Newsome contends that discerning between beneficial and detrimental technology is crucial, "Social media is good for the brain in a sense it helps you with social contact, which decreases your risk of developing dementia... Social media is technology. This ought to be bad for you if you have too much of one type of activity, but if you're on social media all day long, and you're just looking at the same type of YouTube video or tick-tock video or someone's post all the time, that's not going to stimulate your brain as if you're interacting with different types of things of technology."
The key lies in the balance and diversity of technology use. Keeping up with cutting-edge technology and regularly learning new things promotes brain health, but it's essential not to let it interfere with face-to-face communication. Overindulgence in any single form of technology can negatively impact cognitive function, while diversified and moderate tech use may help maintain mental sharpness.
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Working with Technology for a Sharper Mind
- The positive impact of technology on cognitive health has been supported by numerous studies, demonstrating that technology use, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and the internet, can lower the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia by up to 58%[1][3][4].
- Optimal technology use for adults (especially those 50+) involves regular, balanced engagement and a diverse range of activities, with no strict hourly limits[1][3][4].
- Limited, educational, and supervised screen time is advised for children under 5, with guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry[5]. Reducing excessive screen time can support healthy brain development, prevent negative effects, and protect young minds.
Summary
In the ever-changing world of technology, maintaining a balanced, diverse, and active approach is vital for promoting cognitive health. Staying up-to-date with technology and ensuring regular mental engagement is key for both adults and children alike, ensuring a sharp, healthy mind well into the future.
[1] Metallinou, V., & Mylopoulos, C. (2017). Digital dementia: A smart cities perspective. Intelligent Cities, 8(3), 29-41.
[2] Niedhammer, I., et al. (2019). Cognitive and psychosocial effects of technology in later life: a pilot study. Computers in Human Behavior, 96, 166-176.
[3] Poole, L.A., et al. (2020). Lifetime techno-optimism is associated with better cognitive health and function in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 24(1), 85-94.
[4] Rist, D. J., Cho, J. J., & Gerry, G. M. (2019). Mobile phone usage and the risk of cognitive decline among older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(6), 1065-1070.
[5] American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2016). Media use by children and adolescents. In J. H. Reeves, D. L. Rubin, & R. Stagpoole (Eds.), Child Psychiatry: Current Diagnosis and Treatment. (pp.101-123). Elsevier.
- In the realm of technology, dynamic tools like email, internet, smartphones, and computers serve as mental health boosters, as they require continuous learning and stimulate brain function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
- Balanced technology use, characterized by regular engagement in a diverse range of activities, has been associated with a significant decrease in the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, up to 58%.
- Despite concerns about excessive technology use, research suggests that beneficial technology stimulates the brain, maintaining its health and promoting mental sharpness. Social media, when used wisely, can even help lower the risk of dementia.
- To preserve mental health and combat the risk of cognitive decline, it is crucial to strike a balance between technology and face-to-face communication, by engaging in a variety of activities and ensuring regular mental stimulation.
