Cognitive decline 'lower in older people who use digital devices'

Fears that smartphones, tablets and other devices could drive dementia in later life have been challenged by research that found older people who routinely used the technology had lower rates of cognitive decline.

- Ian Sample

The conclusion came from an analysis of 57 studies that looked at technology use and mental skills in 400,000 people whose average age was 69. It is unclear whether the technology staves off mental decline or whether people with better cognitive skills use them more.

But the scientists say the findings question the claim that screen time drives "digital dementia".

Dr Jared Benge, a clinical neuropsychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, carried out the study with Dr Michael Scullin, a cognitive neuroscientist at Baylor University in Texas. Benge said: "For the first generation that was exposed to digital tools, their use is associated with better cognitive functioning.

"This is a more hopeful message than one might expect given concerns about brain rot, brain drain and digital dementia."