Khaberni - A recent medical study has warned that excessive use of smartphones and sitting for long periods in front of computer screens or televisions can cause serious damage to the brain, including shrinkage and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, at a relatively early age.
According to a report published by Psychology Today, specialized in medical and scientific affairs, and reviewed by "Alarabiya.net", one of the recent studies showed that spending six hours or more daily in front of screens is associated with a significant decrease in "gray matter" in the brain, which is responsible for processing information and higher cognitive functions.
Gray matter constitutes about 40% of the brain and includes most of the neurons, making it a central hub for vital functions such as memory, learning, attention, and decision-making.
The "Cleveland Clinic" explains that gray matter plays a pivotal role in sensation, perception, voluntary movement, speech, and complex cognitive functions.
Excessive use of screens does not only affect gray matter but also revealed a decrease in the amount of "white matter" as well, which is responsible for connecting and communicating between different brain areas. White matter consists of nerve fibers covered with a fatty substance known as "myelin," which helps speed up the transmission of neural signals within the brain.
Researcher Clay Drinko, author of the book "Play Your Way Sane," said that these findings "should prompt people to seriously reconsider their relationship with screens, as reducing screen time may be necessary to preserve mental capabilities, and not just a healthy choice."
A decrease in gray matter is closely linked to an increased risk of dementia, and the study's findings suggest a potential link between excessive screen use and the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms at an early age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also expect a significant rise in dementia rates in the coming decades, amid prevalent digital lifestyles.
The study also indicated that excessive use of screens could be linked to lower IQ levels, higher rates of psychological disorders, and impaired cognitive performance over the long term. Other recent studies have shown similar results in people who rely excessively on artificial intelligence tools and automated chat programs, demonstrating that excessive reliance on screens may weaken critical thinking and mental independence.
The Psychology Today report called for immediate action to reduce screen time, considering it an essential step for preventing cognitive decline. It noted that amongst the most notable actions include reducing or abandoning social media, as users in the United States, for example, spend about two and a half hours daily browsing these platforms.
The report also suggested a more radical option of replacing the smartphone with a traditional phone that does not support apps, for those who wish to minimize screen time and improve brain health over the long term.
