Study Suggests Smartphone Use May Lower Dementia Risk in Older Adults

A recent study conducted by researchers at Baylor University suggests that the use of digital technology, including smartphones, may help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults, FOX News reports.

The findings challenge previous concerns about the negative impact of technology on brain health.

The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed over 136 studies, involving more than 400,000 adults with an average of six years of follow-up data. The researchers found that the use of digital technology correlated with a 58% lower risk of cognitive decline, even when accounting for variables such as age, gender, and education level.

The study’s co-author, Michael Scullin, highlighted the shift in perspective.

“People often use terms like ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot,’ and now ‘digital dementia’ is emerging as a concern. As researchers, we wanted to investigate whether these claims were valid,” Scullin said in a press release.

Rather than negatively affecting cognitive function, as some have feared, the study suggests that digital technologies may help preserve mental abilities. One potential reason for this is the cognitive challenge posed by constantly adapting to new technologies. Many older adults, when first learning to use smartphones or computers, often express frustration. However, this challenge may be beneficial for the brain, according to Scullin, who explained that the process of learning and adapting exercises the brain, potentially helping it stay sharp.

In addition to cognitive challenges, digital tools can also enhance the daily lives of older adults. For example, technologies like web calendars, phone reminders, and navigation apps can assist with tasks that may become difficult as cognitive function declines. These tools, referred to as “digital scaffolding,” support greater independence in older adults by enabling them to perform everyday activities more effectively.

Social connections also play a key role in brain health, and digital technology can facilitate these connections. Scullin noted that the ability for older adults to stay in touch with family and friends through digital platforms can reduce feelings of loneliness, which has been linked to a lower risk of dementia. Through video calls, social media, and instant messaging, older adults can maintain relationships across generations, helping them stay socially engaged.