I stumbled on this study the other day in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (I know, my reading material is just riveting) and thought it was worth sharing.
If you’re an older adult likes a bit of net surfing, there’s great news: new research suggests that regular internet use can actually lower your risk of dementia. The study followed over 18,000 older individuals and found that those who regularly used the internet had about a 50% reduction in dementia risk compared to those who didn’t.
The researchers also discovered that the longer the duration of regular internet use (to a point), the lower the risk of dementia. However, if you don’t keep a lid on it, the opposite seems to happen, leading to an adverse effect on dementia risk.
The study, sheds light on the previously unexamined benefits of internet usage in older adults. Research has already shown that older adults who use the internet have better overall cognitive performance, verbal reasoning, and memory compared to non-users. However, the long-term cognitive benefits of internet usage had not really been investigated until now.
One of the findings was that internet usage can be beneficial for everyone, regardless of their background.
It’s worth noting that excessive internet usage may have adverse effects on neurocognitive outcomes. However, existing evidence on the negative effects of internet usage primarily comes from studies involving younger populations whose brains are still developing. So, it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid excessive use, especially in older adults.
The study followed participants from the Health and Retirement Study, an ongoing survey of a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. The participants were dementia-free and completed a cognitive assessment at the baseline. They were asked about their internet usage every two years for a maximum follow-up period of 17.1 years. The researchers used the Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) to determine incident dementia.
The findings revealed a strong link between regular internet use and lower dementia risk. Each additional wave of regular internet usage was associated with a 21% decrease in the risk of dementia. However, the researchers also found a U-shaped association between daily hours of online engagement and dementia risk. The lowest risk was observed in individuals who spent 0.1 to 2 hours online, while risk increased steadily after 2 hours, with 6.1 to 8 hours of usage showing the highest risk.
While this study highlights the potential benefits of regular internet use in reducing dementia risk, it’s important to note that the findings do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. It’s possible that regular internet use is associated with increased cognitive stimulation, which in turn reduces the risk of dementia. On the other hand, individuals with a lower risk of dementia may be more likely to engage in regular internet usage.
So, if you’re an older adult, don’t shy away from using the internet regularly. It can be a valuable tool for cognitive stimulation and may help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Just remember to find the right balance and avoid excessive use. Doom-scrolling may make things worse… or it may even be a cause of dementia so instagram – addicted teenagers watch out. Stay connected, stay informed, and keep your brain active!
