There are countless studies that depict how excessive screen time can be detrimental to your health.

But new studies reveal that screen time – especially in older adults – may actually be linked to lower levels of cognitive decline.

This in turn, can potentially mean lower risks of dementia, which is marked by a decrease in cognitive functioning.

So how could additional screen time – which has been proven to have negative affects on your overall health – help adults keep their brains sharp?

The research included studies on more than 40,000 older adults (50 and above).

They found that the adults who commonly used their smart phones showed lower rates of cognitive decline than those who used their phones less.

This is especially surprising, because previously, smart phone use was said to be linked to what experts called ‘digital dementia.’

‘Digital dementia’ is the assertion that consistently using digital technology leads to mental decline.

But based on this research, scientists found absolutely no evidence that this was the case.

Instead, the study showed that adults who continued to keep their tech skills up (knowing how to navigate apps, scroll through different content, and engage with others) were maintaining their cognitive functioning.

And for areas that cognitive decline may affect – like figuring out directions or remembering to do things – digital technology aided in that regard too.

Being able to use the GPS and reminders on calendars typically helped adults continue to function effectively even if there were gaps in their cognition.

But scientists noted that the way these older adults were using their smart phones was important to the study and its results.

It wasn’t just enough for older adults to be mindlessly scrolling on their phones.

Instead, it was only in the cases where adults were actively using their devices to stimulate their minds and stay connected to others where they showed signs of retaining their cognitive functioning.

This means that there is potential to explore digital technology aimed at helping adults keep their brain sharp.

Researchers explained that while the studies are promising, they’re only in the beginning stages when it comes to understanding the link between digital technology and our brains.

They said that it will take additional research to determine if increased digital technology use leads to sustained cognitive functioning, or if it’s the other way around: adults with better cognitive functioning use technology more.

But whatever the results may be, scientists are discovering that digital technology use isn’t necessarily bad for your health.

In fact, it may be more helpful than some people realize.

Credit: Daily Mail UK