A new study released today in the journal Nature Human Behaviour uncovers some really promising news. It stars proof that digital technology is bridging the gap between innovation and cognitive health in older adults. Michael K. Scullin, PhD, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, who led the research. It indicates that engaging with digital technologies is potentially protective against cognitive decline and greatly reduces dementia risk.
The study analyzed data from over 400,000 participants aged around 69 years, demonstrating a striking correlation between digital technology use and a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. To figure out how we go about finding information, Scullin’s research team used functional MRI scanning to measure brain activity while participants performed online searches. The findings indeed suggested a net-positive outcome for cognitive health.
Scullin emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “It’s important to note that the data didn’t go in the opposite direction.” That would imply that broader use of digital technology is not just safe but good for older people. The results were more illuminating than we could have expected. It found that 90% of the reviewed studies connect digital technology use to a decreased risk of cognitive impairment.
Scullin’s team specifically wanted to know how lifestyle habits affected risk. These results converge to provide compelling evidence that participating in cognitively and socially stimulating activities may help to best protect cognitive health. Other fundamentals involve the smart application of digital technology. Small elaborated on this point, stating, “The available science is compelling that lifestyle habits (e.g., physical exercise, healthy diet, mental stimulation, staying socially connected) have a meaningful impact on mitigating dementia risk.”
This study adds to the evidence regarding the harmful effects of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive function in older adults. Digital technology plays a uniquely empowering role by providing mental stimulation and social connection. Small noted the multifaceted benefits of technology use, saying, “In addition to the mental stimulation from online searching, use of these technologies keeps older adults socially connected, gives them access to important health education information, and helps them to remain independent.”
Scullin’s research featured follow-up scans of naïve internet users who completed a week of search training. This follow-up uncovered massive expansions in neural firepower across areas of the brain linked with cognition and memory. “These findings suggest that searching online strengthens neural circuits that control memory and thinking, which could explain some of the cognitive advantages for older adults who use digital technology,” Small explained.
The policy and cultural implications of this study are enormous as they contradict long-held assumptions on technology use among older adults. Scullin noted that while learning to engage with these new mediums can be difficult, it’s good to have that cognitive challenge. “Learning to use a computer, navigate the Internet, and use a smartphone can all be experienced as challenging, but that’s a good sign for ‘exercising your brain’,” he stated.
This data points overwhelmingly toward the conclusion that older adults should adopt digital technology. In so doing, they are making an impactful contribution to preserving their cognitive vitality. Together, these findings compel us to re-examine how we think about technology used by this population.
Leave a Reply