What is Digital Dementia?

Our generation is suffering from the impact of technology to our bodies. Our cell phones, laptops, video games, and desktop computers keep us constantly slumped over or sitting down. It is impacting our posture, and now, studies have shown that it is impacting the next generation (our children) in an even bigger way.

Psychology Today published an article that used the term “digital dementia,” that alerted medical professional to this growing problem. This epidemic of over-use of technology is now having an impact on the brain development in our children!

Studies have shown that our overuse of technology is impairing brain development in young children, and that they are displaying dementia-like symptoms.

In this a segment from Psychology Today: “Digital Dementia” is a term coined by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer to describe an overuse of digital technology resulting in the breakdown of cognitive abilities.1 Spitzer proposes that short-term memory pathways will start to deteriorate from underuse, if we overuse technology.”

The doctors at Bridgemill Family Healthcare have seen the impact to the body from constantly slumping over and sitting at a desk, however, this new study reveals that the effects of technology use are not just limited to posture, headaches or back-aches. The study reveals that modern technology devices (over-use) is limiting our brains ability to function properly.

The issue of a people slumping over at work in front of their computer is also not limited to just people in their 40’s, it has trickled down to our children. One main point that people tend to forget, is that our posture affects our blood flow, our digestion, our breathing, our concentration, and more.

The tech-neck syndrome has been around for years, and now it has made way for “digital dementia”. This is becoming the new normal; but that doesn’t mean it is the ideal. This is far from ideal. When we are constantly bombarded with visual stimulation (as with cell phones and video games) the visual part of our brains (the back part) become over-stimulated. This means that the frontal lobe of our brains that process our goals, motivation, empathy, reading, writing and movement are then under-stimulated. This portion of the brain is very important for learning and development.

So, what can we do to fix this issue? Here are a few tips, to reverse digital dementia:
1. Limit the use of cell phones, videos games and computers. This rule applies to the young and old.
2. Increase your daily, physical activity. Set your alarm to make sure that are active every hour, during your work day. This should continue when you get home, as well.
3. Stand up straight! Be aware of your posture and resolve to stand tall and sit up straight in your chair.
Start new habits, today. Change your lifestyle to include daily activity and exercise and limit the use of technology for your children. Take charge of your health, and start today!