A new study found that older adults who regularly associate with digital techniques may be less likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia. The perception challenges the widely held confidence that the screen time damages the brain.

Researchers at the University of Texas are believed to have a systematic review and meta-analysis of 136 studies associated with more than 4,11,000 adults aged 50 and above the University of Texas.

Published in databases such as Medline, Psycinfo, and Science Direct, the study was spread for 18 years and tracked how digital engagement, such as using smartphones, computers or internet, affects cognitive health.

Unlike “Digital Dementia” hypothesis, which suggests that long -term risk for screen and technology can spoil brain function, supporting the “technical reserve” principle.

This theory proposes that digital equipment, keeping users mentally stimulated and socially connected, can help preserve brain health as people’s age.

The numbers returned to it. The analysis showed that the use of digital technology was associated with 58% less risk of cognitive loss and 26% slow rates of cognitive decline over time.

These effects remain strong even after adjustment to the difference in education, income, existing health conditions and other factors that can affect brain health.

Importantly, the results were also consistent when researchers focus on high quality studies only, giving their conclusions more weight.

However, the researchers warned that more work is required to understand how and why digital technology seems to offer this protective effect.

He also highlighted the importance of examining what type of digital engagement, such as gaming, social networking, or new software, providing the greatest cognitive benefits, and at what standard they are the most effective.

As the first generation of lifetime digital users enters older age, this research can reopen how we think about aging and mental acumen in the digital age.