Study links digital device use to slower cognitive decline in older adults

A new study has challenged concerns that digital devices contribute to cognitive decline, finding instead that older adults who frequently use smartphones, tablets, and computers may experience slower mental deterioration, The Guardian reported. Researchers from UT Health Austin and Baylor University analysed 57 studies involving over 400,000 adults aged 50 and above.

The findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, revealed that regular use of digital technology was associated with lower rates of cognitive impairment. While it’s unclear whether device usage preserves mental function or if individuals with stronger cognition are more likely to use such tools, researchers suggest both factors may play a role.

Digital devices may aid brain health by encouraging complex activities, social connection, and compensating for memory lapses. Experts emphasize that benefits depend on how technology is used, with active, engaging use offering more advantages than passive screen time. The study challenges the widely discussed concept of “digital dementia.”