A recent meta-analysis study published in Nature Human Behavior has found that technology use is associated with a 42% lower risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. The study, which analyzed data from 57 studies involving 411,430 participants, suggests that using computers, smartphones, and other digital technologies may have a positive impact on brain health.
Key Findings
The research, led by Dr. Jared Benge and Dr. Michael Scullin, found that technology use was linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline, even after adjusting for factors such as education and income. The study included a range of technologies, including computers, smartphones, internet, email, and social media.
- Technology use was associated with a 42% lower risk of cognitive impairment
- Findings were consistent across 57 studies involving 411,430 participants
- Results were adjusted for factors such as education and income
Understanding the Link
Experts believe that technology use may help build cognitive reserve, which can protect against age-related cognitive decline. The cognitive reserve theory suggests that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as using technology, can help build resilience against cognitive impairment.
“Our findings are not a blanket endorsement of mindless scrolling,” said Dr. Benge. “They are instead a hint that the generation that gave us the internet has found ways to get some net positive benefits from these tools to the brain.”
Limitations and Future Research
While the study’s findings are promising, there are several limitations to consider. The research did not provide detailed information on how participants were using technology, making it unclear whether certain types of use are more beneficial than others.
Expert Insights
“The amount that we can extrapolate from this study towards future generations is very unclear, given the ubiquity of technology today,” said Dr. Christopher Anderson, chief of the division of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Managing Technology Use
Experts recommend using technology in moderation and in ways that bring joy, connection, and mental stimulation. “Too much of anything can be a bad thing,” said Dr. Amit Sachdev. “Identifying the purpose and the duration and then executing along those lines is how we would advise for most topics.”
The study’s findings provide reassurance that moderate technology use is not associated with cognitive decline. As the first generation of people exposed widely to technology approaches old age, further research is needed to understand the complex relationships between technology use and brain health.
