More screen time with no physical activity may lead to digital dementia
The term ‘digital dementia’ means memory issues and cognitive deterioration brought on by over-dependence on digital devices like smartphones, computers, etc.
More screen time with no physical activity may lead to digital dementia
A 2022 study investigated the relationship between total dementia risk and sedentary activities, such as watching television and using computers, and found that regardless of physical activity levels, spending more time engaged in sedentary activities increases the risk of developing dementia
New Delhi: Does your work keep you glued to screens for a longer period? Beware, coupled with no physical activity, it might take a toll on your brain's cognitive functions and lead to digital dementia, warned experts on Tuesday.
The term ‘digital dementia’ means memory issues and cognitive deterioration brought on by over-dependence on digital devices like smartphones, computers, etc.
“Long periods of screen time can affect the brain's cognitive functions,” Dr Vinayak Kshirsagar, Senior Laparoscopic Surgeon, DPU Super Speciality Hospital, Pimpri, Pune said. “This is basically because of the decreased attention span and prolonged screen time, which often involves sitting in a difficult posture on the bed or couch. This can cause various health-related problems, such as obesity, body aches, spine problems, and backaches,” he said.
Dementia is a broad term for a range of cognitive impairments that significantly affect an individual's daily functioning.
While more common among older people, recent research has highlighted the association between a sedentary lifestyle and an increased risk of developing dementia, especially in younger adults. It emphasises the importance of physical activity in both prevention and management.
A 2022 study investigated the relationship between total dementia risk and sedentary activities, such as watching television and using computers, and found that regardless of physical activity levels, spending more time engaged in sedentary activities increases the risk of developing dementia.
Another study found individuals who used screens for more than four hours a day had a higher chance of developing vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
