Is Internet the New ‘Prevent-Dementia’ Pill?

Over eight years, researchers tracked 18,000 adults aged 50 to 65 years old.
Researchers followed 18,154 dementia-free seniors between the ages of 50 and 64.9 for a median of 7.9 years and a maximum of 17.1 years; 4.68% of participants were diagnosed with this degenerative neurological illness during follow-up.

A Dose of the Internet a Day Can Keep Dementia Away

As per the findings, two hours or less of screen time per day is best. The participants’ risk of dementia was lowest while they were using the internet. Those who spend six to eight hours a day online face a greater risk. However, the researchers claim that this finding is not statistically significant and that more research is needed.

Look Out for These Dementia Warning Signs

The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms of dementia:

1. Memory loss

   is the forgetting of recent learning or critical events.

2. Language difficulties:

   difficulty understanding what others are saying or finding the appropriate wording to use

3. Disorientation:

   Being confused might cause you to feel disoriented in familiar settings or forget where you keep items.

4. Poor judgment

   is exemplified by poor decision-making or an inability to recognize danger.

5. Mood swings:

   changes in mood and personality, such as being agitated, irritated, or depressed.

These symptoms can affect both patients and their loved ones. As a result, scientists are investigating strategies to prevent or postpone the start of the disease. According to recent studies, limiting daily internet use may be a helpful strategy.

Memories Should Last a Lifetime and Internet Will Help even people with Dementia to Achieve So

What is it about using the internet that makes it so helpful to brain health? According to one notion, the internet provides cognitive stimulation, which can aid in brain function maintenance.

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The brain can be kept active and engaged by performing mental tasks such as information searches, reading news articles, and playing brain games.

Another argument is that the internet facilitates social relationships, which are essential for preserving brain function. Because social isolation has been linked to an increased risk of the disease, using the internet to communicate with others may be a strategy to reduce the risk.

It goes without saying that further research is needed to fully understand the link between internet use and dementia risk. So, keep in mind that using the internet does not guarantee that this disease will not develop.

The findings of this study suggest that simple lifestyle changes, such as encouraging older individuals to use the Internet, may improve brain function and reduce the occurrence of dementia.

Reference :

1. Internet usage and the prospective risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study – (https:agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18394)

Source: Medindia