Digital pioneers resist fear of brain loss as technology uses slashes to reduce risk of dementia by 58%

A groundbreaking study shows that people who frequently use digital devices actually experience greater cognitive health as they age, suggesting a paradox of fear of “brain decay” caused by technology.

A comprehensive meta-analysis published by neuroscientists at Baylor University and the University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School examined data from 400,000 adults in 136 studies to provide a surprising conclusion: 58% of digital technology use and cognitive impairment decreased by 58%.

“You can do news almost every day and you see people talking about how technology hurts us,” said Michael K. Scullin, PhD, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University and co-author of the study. “People often use the terms ‘brain loss’ and ‘brain decay’, and now digital dementia is an emerging phrase. As researchers, we want to know if this is true.”

The study directly challenges the popular “digital dementia” hypothesis that predicts that long-term exposure to digital technology can worsen cognitive abilities. Instead, these findings strongly support what researchers call the “technological reserve” assumption – digital participation actually promotes cognitive resilience in older adults.

This protective effect remains strong even when factors such as socioeconomic status, education, age, gender, benchmark cognitive ability, social support, overall health, and activities with other mental stimuli (such as reading).

Dr. Scullin notes that while many people disagree with technology to mental and physical sedentary conditions, the situation may be the opposite, especially for the generation who first encountered computer and internet adults.

“The first thing middle-aged and older people say is, ‘I’m very frustrated with this computer. It’s hard to learn.” It’s actually a reflection of cognitive challenges, which may be good for the brain even if it’s not feeling good at the moment. ” Dr. Scullin explained.

The researchers identified several possible mechanisms behind the cognitive benefits of technology. Digital devices need to continuously adapt to new software updates, solve connectivity problems and filter distractions – all of these motor cognitive abilities.

“If you have been doing this for years and do interact with it, even if you may feel frustrated, this may be a sign that you are exercising your brain,” Dr. Scullin said.

Technology also improves social connectivity, which is crucial for brain health. “Now you can connect with families of generations,” Dr. Scullin noted. “You can not only talk to them, but you can see them. You can share pictures. You can exchange emails and they are all more or less. So that means there is a greater chance of less loneliness.”

The third protective factor is what researchers call “digital scaffolding”, which is the way technologies such as digital reminders, GPS navigation and online banking, which keeps the elderly independent despite the cognitive difficulties.

These findings are particularly important because they are the first generation of researchers in studying “digital pioneers” (the first generation of computers and the internet with adults who are now at the age of risk of dementia.

The protection of technology is more than other good factors known to reduce the risk of dementia, including physical exercise, blood pressure management and higher education.

For family members of technically older people, Dr. Scullin offers practical advice: “If you have a parent or grandparent who just stays away from technology, maybe they will revisit it. Can they learn to use a calendar app on a smartphone or tablet on a photo, messaging or calendar app? Get started with ease and be very patient when you learn.”

Research shows that despite the need for attention to excessive social media use and screen time in young people, the overall impact of digital technology on cognitive aging has been overwhelming since the 1990s.

“We can spend a long time discussing all specific ways of using technology that may be bad,” admits Dr. Scullin. “However, the net effect since the 1990s has been positive for overall perceptions among older people.”