iPad? More like IPRESERVE.
TO New study They discovered that older adults who take advantage of regularly, move and arise through smartphones, computers and other digital devices are less likely to suffer cognitive deterioration.
Research throws doubts about the call “Digital Dementia Hypothesis“Which suggests that too much screen time in our daily lives could accelerate mental decline as we age.
The findings arrive at a time when the elderly Americans are more connected than ever.
In Survey 2024The PEW Research Center found that huge 90% of American adults over 65 are online.
But it is not just about navigating the web. AARP’s TECHNOLOGICAL TREND REPORT 2025 It shows that 91% of older adults have a smartphone, 78% have intelligent television and 62% use tablets.
For meta -analysis, the researchers examined 57 studies, which involved more than 400,000 older adults around the world, to investigate the effects of technology on the brain.
The participants, with an average of approximately 69 years, had tasks of cognitive or bone tests diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
The researchers found that the regular use of digital devices and the Internet was associated with a 42% lower risk of Cognitive deterioration Compared to those who used technology less frequently.
“For the first generation that was exhibited to digital tools, its use is associated with a better cognitive functioning.” Dr. Jared BegeClinical Neuropsychologist at the UT Health Austin Integral Memory Center, He told The Guardian.
“This is a more hopeful message than one could expect given concerns about Brain rotDigital brain and dementia drainage, “he continued.
But I can’t divert those screen time limits yet.
“Our findings are not a white backup or meaningless displacement“Bege He told CNN. “They are adjusting a clue that the generation that cools on the Internet has found ways to obtain some positive benefits of these tools to the brain.”
This idea can support the “Cognitive Reserve Theory“That he suggests that participating with technology could provide real cognitive benefits.
However, more research is needed to completely understand the connection. For example, scientists are not yet sure if technology uses ITELF helps to prevent Mental declineor if people with better cognitive skills are simply more inclined to use digital devices.
There were also some gaps in the investigation. On the one hand, the study does not specify how long older adults spend using their devices.
Experts who are not involved with the analysis told CNN that this raises questions about whether it is a harmful threshold when it comes to the screen time.
In addition, the study does not explore how older people are using real technology, which could affect the way it affects their cognitive health.
“Use digital devices in the way we use televisions, liabilities and sedentary, both physical and mental, it is likely to be beneficial,” Dr. Michael ScullinA cognitive neuroscientist from the University of Baylor in Texas, told The Guardian.
“But, our computers and smartphones can also be mentally stimulating, pay Social connectionsand provide compensation for the cognitive skills that are decreasing with aging. “
The study also focuses on the first generation to interact with digital tools, but does not completely address how future generations, which have Grown with technology – It will be affected.
“When you think about the child of technology that this cohort would like to interact in the legs before in their lives, it is a time when you really had work to use technology.” Dr. Christopher AndersonA neurologist who was in the studio, told CNN.
His brains were also well formed, Bege added.
Even so, Anderson said the findings suggest that a balanced approach for activities is the most beneficial.
“What this probably does more than anything else is to provide some assurance that there is no association between at least the use of technology and cognitive deterioration,” he said.
