A few weeks ago, I was interviewed on Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise about whether or not the digital era is contributing to dementia. You can watch our conversation here.
Alternatively, here is a transcript of a more detailed interview on the same subject.
Q: What does the latest research say on tech use and ageing cognition?
A: Data collected from more than 400 000 adults with an average age of 68, found that the more they used digital technology, the lower their risk of cognitive impairment and the slower their rate of cognitive decline. Specifically, technology use was linked to 58% less likelihood of problems with memory, language skills and attention, and in those who did experience a reduction in thinking skills, the decline was 26% slower than in people who didn’t use much technology. The positive effects were seen even after accounting for factors like demographics, socioeconomic status, and overall health.
The potential explanations for the brain benefits are:
- If you haven’t grown up with computers, smart phones, and internet services, it’s a big learning curve. The very fact that a person finds it harder to work out how to use new software gives their brain a work out, which buffers against mental decline. For most older people, computers are much more challenging than crosswords.
- Digital technology is constantly changing so you have to keep learning and adapting, and this provides ongoing cognitive stimulation.
- Technology helps older people stay in touch with distant family and friends, and thereby reduces loneliness. This is critically important because loneliness doubles the risk of dementia.
- Digital tools can compensate for cognitive decline via reminders, alerts, auto-debits, and a range of assistive technology, which helps a person maintain independence and participate in daily activities.
Q: Does this make the ‘digital dementia’ concept redundant?
A: No, not entirely. It’s a case of technology being a great servant but a terrible master.
The idea of ‘digital dementia’ was proposed in 2012 by a German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer who was concerned about three main issues:
- The increase in passive screen time ie mindless scrolling.
- The fact that we were offloading mental tasks to technology. For example, we no longer memorise phone numbers or use a street directory, so we’re not using our memory or navigational skills.
- Technology has reduced our attention span and made us more distractible and prone to ADHD.
In younger people, these are valid concerns. A study of children aged between 6 and 18 years, found that excessive daily internet use was associated with lower verbal intelligence and smaller brain regions involved in language, emotional regulation and reward.
Essentially it comes down to how you use digital technology. Employ it strategically and you’ll boost your brain. Outsource your life to it, and you’ll lose a lot of skills, especially social ones.
Q: Elsewhere new research has shown an area of the brain that may actually improve in dementia sufferers. What are the ramifications?
A: Yes, people with Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia) retain the ability to empathise. In fact, they scored higher in their capacity for emotional mirroring and feeling compassion, than people who had mild cognitive impairment — a condition that may or may not progress to Alzheimer’s. A person with Alzheimer’s will often forget what happened earlier in the day, but they’ll remember how they felt. They’ll know whether it was a pleasant or unpleasant experience.
Something for carers to remember is that facts fray but feelings stay.
The upside of having empathy is that a person can still have meaningful connections with others, and it’s important to focus on whatever brings a person with Alzheimer’s joy — not to argue over unimportant issues. The downside is that people with Alzheimer’s have heightened feelings of anxiety and discomfort when they see other people in distress. This makes it more difficult for them to regulate their emotions. The key words when caring for a person with dementia are: keep them safe and bring them joy.
Photo credit: I took this photo at Icon Park in Orlando, Florida, where I spoke at the American Society on Aging conference in April 2025. It forms part of the wall of an eye-catching restaurant.
Please share this Health-e-Byte with everyone who uses technology or knows someone with Alzheimer’s.
