2023-09-08 19:57:45
Technology came to revolutionize the way we live and, of course, the way we will live, as a study found that Older adults who use the internet have a lower risk of dementia and we explain why.
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Why does senile dementia occur?
The United States National Library of Medicine points out that the dementia It is a loss of brain function that occurs as a consequence of other diseases.
It is usually a condition caused by age, although it can also be caused by poor blood flow to the brain; this type of dementia is known as vascular dementia.
Lewy body dementia occurs due to abnormalities in protein structures in some areas of the brain.
However, the most common and least understood type of dementia is Alzheimer’s.
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How do social networks affect older people?
Although it is a complicated issue for many, the truth is that encouraging “grandparents” to spend time on the web can have multiple benefits. In fact, one study found that Older adults who use the internet have a lower risk of dementia.
An article published by the Journal of the American Geriatric Society analyzed for 8 years the aging of older people who are frequently exposed to the Internet versus older people who did not use it.
The results showed that those who use the Internet for at least two hours a day are around 50% less likely to develop dementia.
On the other hand, those who did not connect to the Internet frequently were shown to have a considerably higher risk of developing this disease.
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Why does the internet help older people?
It is believed that the reason why the Internet may be decreasing the chances of developing dementia in older adults is because by keeping curiosity active and learning new things it can prevent brain aging and keep the neuronal reserve in good condition.
The analysis was carried out on people between 50 and 65 years of age, and although they also found that excessive exposure to the Internet (more than 8 hours) can increase the chances of developing dementia, they assure that this conclusion is still hasty and that They will continue to investigate.
How can dementia be prevented?
He United States Department of Health and Human Services points out some strategies that could help people from developing dementia, among which are:
Control high blood pressureControl blood glucose levelsMaintain a healthy weightEat properly ExerciseKeep mentally active (stimulating the brain, like the Internet does)Stay in touch with family and friendsTreat hearing problemsSleep wellQuitting tobacco and cutting down on alcohol can also help
Now that you know why older adults who use the Internet have a lower risk of dementia and some other strategies to prevent it, you can act before it is too late and remember that if there is any anomaly, it is best to consult with a professional.
If you want to know more about the most common type of dementia, we share this video with you.
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