Various digital devices, including smartphones, are tools that make our daily life convenient. From waking up in the morning until going to sleep, it is not an exaggeration to say that the entire day is surrounded by digital devices. Digital devices closely related to our daily life bring convenient benefits, but excessive use can dry out the eyes and negatively affect body organs such as the back and shoulders. If it persists for a long time, it may lead to the development of certain diseases. Digital dementia is one of the phenomena caused by the increase in the use of digital devices. It is a newly coined word in recent years due to the popularization of digital devices. It occurs regardless of age, but it is reported to occur mostly in those in their 10s and 30s who are familiar with digital devices. Due to these characteristics, it is also called Youngzheimer by combining the meaning of young and Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia. Now, let’s learn about the main symptoms of digital dementia and various information on prevention. Main symptoms of digital dementia
The brain is like a muscle, the more you use it, the more it develops, and vice versa. Digital dementia is caused by a gradual decrease in the amount stored in long-term memory because the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory, does not function properly due to the increase in the use of digital devices. Its main symptom appears as amnesia, in which stored information is quickly forgotten. As cognitive or arithmetic skills decline, even simple calculations become difficult, and it becomes difficult to remember three or more phone numbers. And I can’t remember the menu of the food I ate the day before, I’ve mistaken someone I’ve seen before for the first time, and I tend to repeat the same story over and over again. Except for signatures, I rarely use handwriting, and I mainly use e-mail or messenger to communicate with the other person. Since digital dementia is classified as a symptom caused by a changing social phenomenon, not a medical problem, it does not pose a serious threat to health. However, if the symptoms continue, the development and function of certain parts of the brain may decline, causing severe stress, which can lead to panic disorder and emotional disorders. In addition, if the symptoms of forgetfulness continue to worsen, cognitive decline and damage to brain cells adversely affect overall brain functions and increase the risk of actually progressing to dementia. As mentioned before, digital dementia is not a disease but a symptom caused by a social phenomenon, so it is said that it works well in improving symptoms by controlling the use of digital devices and changing various lifestyles.
How to prevent digital dementia
1. Controlling the use of digital devices
As digital dementia is caused by indiscriminate use of digital devices and the symptoms worsen, it is necessary to reduce excessive dependence on digital devices, and to develop a habit of controlling and using them. In addition, excessive use of digital devices makes the eyes dry and increases the burden on the back and shoulders, which affects the onset of various diseases such as dry eye syndrome, turtle neck syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome, so it is necessary to properly control the use. . It is important to change the habit of gradually reducing the use of smartphones in stages, such as limiting the use of smartphones before bedtime and not using them even when eating. In addition, it is said that putting down digital devices for a while and being idle for a while without thinking about it helps a lot to give rest to the brain, which is tired from excessive use of digital devices.
2. Hand writing
In order to prevent digital dementia, it is recommended to reduce the parts that depend on smartphones such as notepads and calculators to a certain extent, and to develop a habit of taking notes or calculating by hand. Keeping a diary by hand can also be a good idea. Also, reading a book on behalf of a smartphone is a good way, and making a habit of memorizing and reviewing new information such as a poem or a foreign language on a regular basis is also an important habit to prevent digital dementia.
3. Enjoy analog games
It is also said to be a good way to play analog games that you can play with your own hands, such as puzzles, crosswords, and other pictures, rather than smartphone games. When these games are played, the nerve cells of the cerebrum and cerebellum are stimulated and brain cells are activated, which has the effect of improving concentration, memory, and judgment. It is said that, rather than storing the phone numbers of friends or acquaintances that you contact frequently on your smartphone as speed dial numbers, memorizing and dialing the number each time you make a call can be a good way to prevent digital dementia. In addition, regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, and cycling is known to help activate brain cells and help prevent brain health and digital dementia.
