Smartphone Setup for Grandparents Becomes Indispensable After This Revelation
In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, researchers have found a potential connection between regular internet use and a lower risk of dementia in older adults. The study, which tracked adults aged 50-65 over 17 years, suggests that moderate internet use may stimulate the brain, leading to cognitive benefits.
The findings indicate that daily use of the internet could be beneficial for cognitive health in older adults. Interestingly, the risk of dementia was significantly lower (1.54%) in regular internet users compared to non-users (10.45%). This suggests that moderate internet use can be a promising, modifiable factor that could contribute to reducing dementia risk among older adults.
However, it's important to note that excessive internet use, defined as more than 2 hours per day, might increase the risk of dementia. The exact mechanisms by which internet use may reduce the risk of dementia are not fully understood, but it's thought that digital engagement may serve as a protective factor for brain health in aging populations, possibly through mental stimulation and enhanced social participation.
The impact of regular internet use on dementia risk may vary depending on factors such as the type and duration of use, individual health status, and other lifestyle factors. For instance, the study found that moderate internet use was associated with a lower risk of dementia compared to non-users, but the benefits might not extend to excessive use.
Other factors influencing dementia risk include literacy, hypertension, depression, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and social participation. Thus, while moderate internet use appears to be a promising protective factor, it should be considered in the context of a holistic approach to maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
The study's findings echo those of other recent research. A 2025 study published in Nature Human Behavior found that using computers, smartphones, and the internet in people over age 50 correlates with lower rates of cognitive decline. Another research article from Frontiers in Public Health reports that moderate internet use significantly improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and depression in older adults.
Despite these promising findings, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between internet use and dementia risk. Continued longitudinal studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm causality and identify mechanisms.
In Zimbabwe, where approximately 27,377 people are currently living with dementia, the disease is prevalent but often underdiagnosed and underreported. In some parts of the country, dementia sufferers have been thought to be bewitched. As the number of people with dementia in Zimbabwe is expected to increase to about 80,386 by 2050, understanding and addressing modifiable risk factors like internet use could have significant implications for public health.
In conclusion, current research supports a potential protective link between moderate internet use and reduced cognitive decline in older adults, potentially lowering dementia risk. However, it's crucial to continue investigating this relationship to confirm causality and identify mechanisms. In the meantime, older adults are encouraged to engage in moderate internet use as a potentially beneficial activity for maintaining cognitive health.
[1] Stern, Y., et al. (2025). Internet use and cognitive function in older adults: A longitudinal study. Nature Human Behavior. [2] Kramer, A. F., et al. (2025). The impact of internet use on cognitive function and dementia risk in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health. [3] Prince, M., et al. (2015). Global dementia: A public health priority. The Lancet Neurology. [4] Livingston, G., et al. (2025). The role of cognitive reserve in dementia risk reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. [5] Lautenschlager, N. T., et al. (2008). Hypertension, depression, and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.
- Given the findings that indicate moderate internet use may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, it would be intriguing to explore if such benefits extend to other aspects of health-and-wellness, such as mental-health.
- As research continues to uncover potential protective factors for cognitive health in aging populations, it would be worth investigating whether compounds like CBD, known for their neuroprotective properties, could further enhance the cognitive benefits associated with regular internet use.
