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Unexpected correlation between computer use and cognitive decline

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A new study implemented an incredible tool that may detect the Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of cognitive decline.

OHSU researchers found a strong correlation between infrequent computer use and and cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. They measured the volume of the hippocampus (where the memory function lies) in 65 year-old adults who were dementia-free. In fact, diminished hippocampal volume is a good biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The researchers found out that patients with smaller hippocampal volumes tended to spend less time using their computer. They hypothesize that the reason is it requires the use of multiple cognitive domains, including attention and memory.

Conclusions:

  • less daily computer use is associated with smaller brain volume in regions that are integral to memory function
  • monitoring of daily computer use may detect signs of preclinical nuerodegeneration.


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