Post #59692

Technology May Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Adults Many studies have been done on the possible negative effects of technology use among people of different ages. One concern is what has been called "digital dementia" — the idea that using too much technology could, over time, cause memory problems and cognitive decline. But a new study challenges that idea, finding that older people who use smartphones and other devices show lower rates of cognitive decline. Researchers in the US looked at 57 published studies, which included data from over 411,000 adults. Each study looked at the use of digital technology, and included cognitive tests or diagnoses. Technology use in the studies included things like smartphones, computers, social media, internet and email. The participants' average age was 68 at the beginning of the studies. And the results showed that greater technology use among older adults was associated with a 42% lower risk of cognitive decline. There could be different reasons for this, the researchers said — for example, using technology could help keep the brain active. Another reason could be that technology helps older adults stay connected with other people — and many studies have shown that loneliness affects cognition later in life. However, some say more research is needed, because the studies didn't look at how each person was using technology or how long they used it for. The researchers also noted that people in this age group started using technology later in life, when their brains were already fully formed, so it's not clear if the same effect would be seen among people who have used this technology for most of their lives. Still, it's a good starting point for better understanding ways to stop or slow cognitive decline — especially in a world that has nearly 10 million new cases of dementia a year, according to the World Health Organization. #Reading