Regular internet use can provide mental stimulation and connection to our social networks. Now, a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society bolsters the idea that online activity can stave off mental deterioration.
New York University researchers tracked 18,154 adults aged 50 to 65 over eight years. They found that participants who were online regularly had half the risk of dementia.
The sweet spot for internet use was about two hours. The survey determined that those online two hours a day or less had the least risk of developing dementia. However, those with little or no regular internet use run the greatest risk.
Cost of Treating Dementia
Dementia is a progressive disease. As a result, the needs of patients will change over time. In turn, that impacts the cost of treatment. In addition, where a patient lives will also influence costs.
A 2021 Genworth survey offers an outline of median monthly healthcare costs for long-term care.
It showed that an in-home aide would run $5,148 a month. Whereas an assisted living facility would be $4,500 a month and a semi-private room in a nursing home could total $7,908.
With the costs so high, the Congressional Joint Economic Committee estimates that $271 billion in care bills go unpaid. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association reports dementia will cost the economy another $345 billion this year. By 2050 the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to more than double from 6 million today to 12.7 million. As a result, total costs of care are forecast to exceed $1 trillion per year. However, there is hope.
Benefits of Screens
Use of the internet can accomplish two things researchers say help combat dementia.
First, some online activities can stimulate the mind. Searching for information, writing an email, playing games, or learning a language can all give your brain a workout.
Secondly, the internet can connect you with other people.
Isolation and Loneliness
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine adds to evidence that social isolation increases the risk of dementia. The Johns Hopkins researchers reviewed data on 5,022 medicare recipients. They determined that those living in social isolation were 27 percent more likely to develop dementia.
Conversely, the same researchers found that study participants who regularly used a cell phone or computer were 31 percent less likely to develop dementia.
“This study shows that access and use of simple technologies are important factors that protect older adults against social isolation, which is associated with significant health risks. This is encouraging because it means simple interventions may be meaningful,” said Mfon Umoh, M.D., Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in geriatric medicine.
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Max K. Erkiletian began writing for newspapers while still in high school. He went on to become an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the print magazine Free Bird. He has written for a wide range of regional and national publications as well as many on-line publications. That has afforded him the opportunity to interview a variety of prominent figures from former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Paul Volker to Blues musicians Muddy Waters and B. B. King. Max lives in Springfield, MO with his wife Karen and their cat – Pudge. He spends as much time as possible with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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