Study links regular internet use to reduced risk of dementia

According to a study published in New York University in May 2023, older people who use the internet regularly have a lower risk of dementia. There were 18,000 adults followed for an average of 79 years, suggesting that moderate online participation may help maintain cognitive functions.

“It is part of a set of practices known as internet usage. cognitive stimulationIt is a practice that involves learning a new language, musicalizing, reading and neurocognitive rehabilitation with expert professionals,” explains Felipe Barros, neurologist at Sírio Libanês Hospital.

These activities help protect the brain by affecting the brain’s ability to adapt to physiological changes, such as those caused by aging or pathologies.

However, it is important to highlight the study. indicates a relationship between two factors, but not causality. “It is not certain that using the Internet reduces dementia. Perhaps older people who have greater cognitive ability to begin with and who already in themselves protect against dementia are certainly those who use the Internet the most.

On the other hand, to use the internet can have very long effects Negative. The authors note that more research is needed to confirm and understand this trend in older adults, but the hypothesis is that this occurs because of less opportunity for social interaction and the off-screen world in this scenario.

What is dementia?

Felipe Barros, neurologist at Sírio Libanês Hospital, explains that dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a series of diseases. cognitive performance and behavioral impairment affecting autonomy —the ability of the individual to take care of himself.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and represents the seventh leading cause of death in the world. Barros lists alarm signs that may justify a visit to the doctor:

• Forget the final facts;
• Repeat more;
• Get lost in the common areas;
• Not remembering commonly used words;
• Forgetting the names of close people.

The doctor also points out that cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol), insufficient or ineffective sleep and depressive disorders are important factors associated with dementia.

Prevention is also not limited to cognitive stimulation. recent studies reinforce the importance daily habitssuch as eating healthy, exercising regularly, engaging in active social contact, and avoiding smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.