A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that frequent internet usage in older adults may help reduce the risk of dementia. The study followed 18,154 adults between the ages of 50 and 65, who did not have dementia when the study began, for about eight years. The participants were asked if they regularly used the internet for activities such as sending and receiving emails, making purchases, searching for information, or making travel reservations. Those who used the internet at the start of the study had about half the risk of dementia as those who were not regular users.
The study also revealed that individuals who used the internet for about two hours or less per day had the lowest risk of dementia compared to those who did not use the internet at all, who had a notably higher estimated risk. Interestingly, those who spent six to eight hours a day on the internet had a higher risk of dementia, but the finding was not statistically significant, highlighting the need for further research.
While scientists still don't know the exact cause of dementia, the study's co-author, Dr. Virginia W. Chang, suggests that online engagement may help develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia. The study did not explore what people were doing online, however, some studies have shown that intellectually stimulating activities could help prevent dementia.
The growing body of evidence also suggests that lifestyle factors like exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure in check, managing blood sugar, quitting smoking, and staying engaged with others may also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The Alzheimer's Association is working on the US Pointer Study, a two-year clinical trial to identify specific lifestyle interventions that may lower the risk of dementia.
While the study identifies another potentially modifiable factor that might influence dementia risk, it does not establish cause and effect. Nonetheless, the research offers an important insight into the potential benefits of internet usage in reducing the risk of dementia in older adults. With the number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease expected to increase with the aging baby boomer population, further research in this area is needed to develop effective interventions that can help prevent or delay cognitive decline.