Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21857/ygjwrc27ky
Digital Dementia and Cognitive Decline in the Era of Smart Gadgets
Jasna Badžak
; Department of Neurology, Referral Centre for Preoperative Assessment of Patients with Pharmacoresistant epilepsy, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
Filip Đerke
; Department of Neurology, Referral Centre for Preoperative Assessment of Patients with Pharmacoresistant epilepsy, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Silvio Bašić
; Department of Neurology, Referral Centre for Preoperative Assessment of Patients with Pharmacoresistant epilepsy, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
Vida Demarin
; Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Digital dementia, a concept introduced by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer, describes the cognitive decline linked to the overuse of smart gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and computers. This phenomenon is characterized by reduced memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, especially among younger individuals. While not a formal medical diagnosis, digital dementia highlights the broader concern about the neurological impact of excessive reliance on technology. The “external memory” function of smart devices reduces the brain’s cognitive workload, freeing mental capacity for other tasks. However, this also limits the brain’s natural “mental exercise,” which is essential for maintaining cognitive health. Studies indicate that frequent reliance on digital devices for memory-related tasks impairs users’ ability to recall information independently. Cognitive offloading has been linked to “mental atrophy,” akin to muscle weakening from inactivity. Adolescents and children are especially vulnerable due to the plasticity of their developing brains. Excessive screen use among youth is associated with poor memory, fragmented attention, and disrupted sleep due to blue light exposure, all of which hinder cognitive development. Research highlights three primary pathways through which smart gadget usage impacts cognitive health: neurological changes, behavioral reinforcement, and emotional well-being. MRI studies reveal that heavy users of smartphones show reduced grey matter density in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, regions essential for decision-making and memory. Habitual use of digital devices fosters reliance on convenience, displacing cognitive challenges essential for mental resilience. Additionally, prolonged gadget use is linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety, which negatively affect memory consolidation. The situation in Croatia reflects broader European trends, with the COVID-19 pandemic amplifying screen usage among youth due to remote learning and restricted social activities. This shift has heightened concerns about cognitive health, social development, and mental well-being. Mitigation strategies emphasize mindful technology use, cognitive training exercises, and physical activity. Encouraging device-free periods, cognitive exercises, and physical activities like walking or swimming can promote neurogenesis, enhance hippocampal function, and strengthen memory. These preventive measures aim to counterbalance the cognitive decline associated with gadget overuse. In conclusion, while smart gadgets have improved daily convenience, their prolonged use poses significant risks to cognitive health. Addressing digital dementia requires a balanced approach that fosters mindful usage, cognitive engagement, and physical activity, particularly among youth. Proactive measures can help preserve cognitive health and reduce the long-term risks posed by digital overdependence.
Ključne riječi
Cognitive Decline; Memory Disorders; Screen Time; Technology Use Disorder
Hrčak ID:
326024
URI
Datum izdavanja:
20.12.2024.
Posjeta: 0 *