Have you ever heard the term “digital dementia”?
It was first introduced in 2012 by German neuroscientist Dr. Manfred Spitzer, who theorized that the growing use of digital technology could lead to memory loss and cognitive decline. It was a bold warning—and it sparked concern among many healthcare professionals, caregivers, and aging adults alike.
But now, more than a decade later, a major new study is turning that theory on its head.
📚 New Research Offers a Surprising Take
A recent meta-analysis published in Nature Human Behavior looked at data from 57 studies covering over 411,000 adults aged 50 and older. The researchers found that engaging with digital technology was associated with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment over an average of six years.
Yes, you read that right—lower risk.
Even more impressively, this benefit held true regardless of participants’ age, and it remained significant over time.
Study co-author Jared Benge put it simply: “Far from causing ‘digital dementia,’ as some feared, we found technology engagement is consistently linked to better brain health.”
And here’s the kicker: the protective effect of digital engagement was comparable to—or even stronger than—well-established brain-boosters like physical activity and education.
🧠 The Brain Benefits of Being a Digital Explorer
This study is particularly important because it looks at the first generation of older adults who didn’t grow up with smartphones, tablets, or the internet.
Unlike younger generations, we older folks did not have digital technology growing up. (I don’t know about you, but some of the greatest technologies in my younger life were manual typewriters, mimeograph machines and party lines!)
Adapting to the digital world has meant learning entirely new skills throughout our adult lives—and that process alone seems to be giving our brains a real workout.
In addition to that, the internet opened entirely new worlds of learning for us.
- We’re reading and researching more than ever
- We’re solving problems and absorbing new ideas daily
- We’re sharing, teaching, and discussing what we learn
These activities strengthen both mental and social connections—two powerful defenses against cognitive decline.
And let’s not overlook the magic of video calls with the kids and grandkids, group texts with old friends, or the satisfaction of mastering a new app or game. These experiences aren’t just convenient—they’re neurologically nourishing.
🕹️ Brain Games & Tech Troubleshooting
The amount of brain games available online is amazing.
Now, I’m not talking about games like those where you click on the red stars as they fall. (All you are doing is getting good at clicking red stars.)
It’s the online brain games—like chess, word puzzles, and strategy apps—that can help keep your mind sharp. They challenge memory, logic, and quick thinking in fun, engaging ways.
Even dealing with tech issues has unexpected cognitive benefits. As frustrating as those calls to tech support can be, they force us to think critically and problem-solve—two more excellent brain exercises.
👥 Don’t Forget Real-World Connections
A friend of mine, age 76, recently started experiencing some memory challenges. After a full neurological workup, he learned he wasn’t dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia—just mild cognitive impairment, which is fairly common after age 60.
If there is no physical source, then one of the best things you can do is exercise “that other organ,” which is your brain.
Everything we’ve discussed here is relevant. And the internet is great. But it’s still a good idea to exercise your brain by staying active and involved in daily activities, outside of the internet.
- Connect with others regularly. Have lunch with friends, visit the local farmers market, or meet up for a walk in the park.
- Pursue hobbies that light you up. Whether it’s gardening, art, theater, or volunteering—do something that gives you joy and purpose.
- Make physical activity social. Join a yoga class, dance group, or bowling league. It’s great for your body and your brain.
🔁 Use It or Lose It
We often hear the phrase “use it or lose it” when it comes to brain health—and it’s absolutely true.
The good news? We now have strong evidence that digital engagement can be a valuable part of your mental fitness plan. So whether you’re texting loved ones, reading an article, solving an online puzzle, or watching an educational video—you’re not wasting time. You’re giving your brain the stimulation it needs to stay sharp.
So keep exploring, keep connecting, and most importantly—keep learning.
Your brain will thank you for it.
SOURCES:
Ali Z, Janarthanan J, Mohan P. Understanding Digital Dementia and Cognitive Impact in the Current Era of the Internet: A Review. Cureus. 2024 Sep 23;16(9):e70029.
Benge JF, Scullin MK. A meta-analysis of technology use and cognitive aging. Nat Hum Behav. 2025 Apr 14.
Technology Use Linked to Better Brain Health in Older Adults. University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. News Release. April 2025.
Small GW, Lee J, Kaufman A, Jalil J, Siddarth P, Gaddipati H, Moody TD, Bookheimer SY. Brain health consequences of digital technology use. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2020 Jun;22(2):179-187.
