Roundup: Regular Use of Digital Tech May Actually Help Prevent Cognitive Decline; and More News

Digital Technology May Protect the Aging Brain, Not Harm It, New Study Finds

Contrary to growing concerns about the cognitive impact of constant dependence on technology, a new study has found that digital devices – such as computers, smartphones and tablets -- may actually help protect against cognitive decline in older adults.

Published in Nature Human Behavior, the study — led by neuroscientists from Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School — found that digital technology use is associated with reduced risk of dementia. The research directly challenges the widely circulated notion of "digital dementia" and the commonly heard warnings of “brain rot” and “brain drain” attributed to screen time.

The researchers emphasize that not all technology use is beneficial. Passive or distracted use, such as endless scrolling or excessive screen time at the expense of real-world interaction, may not offer the same cognitive advantages.

Cognitive Benefits of Digital Engagement

The study analyzed data from more than 136 studies and included over 400,000 adults. With an average follow-up of six years in longitudinal studies, the findings were clear: Individuals who actively engage with digital technologies experience significantly better cognitive aging outcomes.

“We wanted to know if this was true,” said Michael K. Scullin, M.D., associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, in a news release. “You can flip on the news on just about any day and you’ll see people talking about how technologies are harming us. People often use the terms ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot,’ and now digital dementia is an emerging phrase.”

Instead of supporting these fears, the research supports what is known as the technological reserve hypothesis—the idea that digital engagement can serve as a form of mental stimulation that helps preserve cognitive functions as people age.

The study found that technology use was correlated with a 58 percent lower risk of cognitive impairment. This association held true even after controlling for factors such as education, socioeconomic status, baseline cognitive ability, and overall health.

Everyday Technology as Brain Exercise

One of the most surprising takeaways is how everyday frustrations with technology may actually be beneficial.

“One of the first things that middle-age and older adults were saying is that ‘I’m so frustrated by this computer. This is hard to learn.’ That’s actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which may be beneficial for the brain even if it doesn’t feel great in the moment,” Dr. Scullin stated.

Whether it’s learning how to use a smartphone, navigating software updates, or managing online tasks, these challenges require problem-solving and adaptability. According to the researchers, such activities can stimulate the brain in ways that support long-term cognitive health.

Social Connectivity: A Digital Lifeline

Another vital benefit of digital technology lies in its power to enhance social connectivity. Video calls, emails, and messaging apps can keep families and friends connected—especially important for older adults who may otherwise face social isolation.

“Now you can connect with families across generations,” Dr. Scullin said. “You not only can talk to them, you can see them. You can share pictures. You can exchange emails and it’s all within a second or less. So that means there’s a greater opportunity for decreasing loneliness.”

In addition to cognitive and social benefits, digital tools provide essential support for daily tasks—referred to by the researchers as digital scaffolding. Tools like calendar reminders, GPS, and online banking help maintain independence, even when some cognitive decline is present.

According to the study, “This digital scaffold facilitates better functional outcomes in older adults while general cognitive functioning declines.” By supporting day-to-day tasks, technology can delay or even prevent the loss of independence that typically marks a dementia diagnosis.

Blood Pressure Patterns During Pregnancy may Predict Long-Term Hypertension Risk

Blood pressure patterns monitored in the first half of pregnancy can serve as an early indicator of a woman's risk for developing hypertension up to 14 years postpartum, according to new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The research, conducted on more than 174,000 women, focuses on a previously undefined risk group for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, even among those who did not experience hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

High blood pressure is a well-established risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. While women with a history of HDP, such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, are already recognized as being at higher risk for cardiovascular issues later in life, this study uncovers a critical new finding. The research shows that women who did not develop HDP --  but exhibited certain blood pressure patterns in the early stages of pregnancy -- may still face an increased risk of hypertension years after childbirth.

The study, which tracked the health outcomes of women who received prenatal care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 2009 to 2019, provides insights into the long-term cardiovascular health of women. None of the participants had pre-existing hypertension, kidney, liver, or heart diseases before pregnancy, nor a history of preeclampsia. Researchers followed their health records for up to 14 years after delivery to monitor the onset of hypertension.

Six distinct blood pressure patterns were identified during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, ranging from ultra-low to elevated-stable patterns. Among these, women with elevated-stable blood pressure patterns during early pregnancy were found to be at the highest risk of developing hypertension later in life.

Even among women without a history of HDP, those with higher-risk blood pressure patterns were 11 times more likely to develop hypertension in the years following childbirth, compared to those with lower-risk patterns.

This study provides a potential tool for identifying women at risk for future cardiovascular issues, even in the absence of HDP. The ability to track blood pressure trajectories during early pregnancy enables healthcare providers to assess long-term health risks more effectively and offer targeted surveillance and interventions for those at heightened risk. Early monitoring and intervention may help mitigate the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, potentially reducing the burden of these conditions in postpartum women.

Healthy Habits Linked to Longer Lives for Cancer Survivors, ACS Study Finds

A new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS) offers encouraging news for cancer survivors: healthy lifestyle choices after a diagnosis can make a significant difference in longevity.

The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shows that cancer survivors who follow the ACS’s nutrition and physical activity guidelines have a lower risk of death, particularly from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The study focused on non-smoking survivors of obesity-related cancers, analyzing data from 3,742 individuals diagnosed between 1992 and 2002. With an average age of 67.6 years at diagnosis, participants were followed for a median of 15.6 years. Over that time, 2,430 deaths were recorded.

Researchers evaluated how well survivors adhered to ACS lifestyle recommendations—maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, and limiting alcohol consumption. Each person received a score from 0 to 8, based on how closely they followed these guidelines after diagnosis.

The results were striking. Survivors with the highest scores (6 to 8) had:

• A 24 percent lower risk of death from any cause
• A 33 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• A 21 percent lower risk of death specifically from cancer

Moreover, the benefits weren’t limited to those who were already living healthfully before their cancer diagnosis. Survivors who improved their lifestyle habits after diagnosis also experienced lower mortality risk.

“A cancer diagnosis often motivates people to think about how they can live healthier lives,” said Ying Wang, M.D., senior principal scientist in epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, in a news release. “Many survivors want to know what lifestyle changes they can make to improve their chances of living longer. These findings underscore how making the right lifestyle choices truly affects cancer survival.”

In 2022, the ACS updated its official guidelines for cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of avoiding obesity, exercising regularly, eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and minimizing alcohol intake. This latest research offers real-world evidence that these recommendations can lead to longer, healthier lives for those who have faced cancer, the study concludes.