Use of digital technologies also associated with reduced time-dependent rates of cognitive decline<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, April 17, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Widespread use of digital technology seems to be associated with lower rates of cognitive decline in adults older than 50 years, according to a study published online April 14 in Nature Human Behaviour<\/em>.<\/p>\n Jared F. Benge, Ph.D., from the University of Texas at Austin, and Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether technological exposure has helped or harmed cognition in digital pioneers. Fifty-seven observational or cohort studies focusing on general digital technology use in older adults (older than 50 years) were included in the meta-analysis; 411,430 adults were included from cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies.<\/p>\n The researchers found an association for use of digital technologies with a reduced risk for cognitive impairment (odds ratio, 0.42) as well as reduced time-dependent rates of cognitive decline (hazard ratio, 0.74). When accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and cognitive reserve proxies, the effects remained significant.<\/p>\n “Technology engagement was associated with reduced odds of cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults,” the authors write. “There was no credible evidence from the longitudinal studies, or the meta-analysis as a whole, for widespread digital ‘brain drain’ or ‘digital dementia’ as a result of general, natural uses of digital technology.”<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n