Dementia. It is an umbrella term for impairments to one's ability to remember, think, and make decisions to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities, per the CDC.
Getting dementia is not a matter of if, though, but when. As we grow older past our golden years into seniority, the risk of getting dementia grows until we either get it or don't.
Umbrella term or not, getting Dementia is not a joke either. It could change personalities and lead to people losing control over their emotions, becoming violent and physically abusive when things are not to their liking.
But getting dementia doesn't have to be a fact. Exercise, a balanced diet, and the avoidance of smoking and high or low blood pressure levels can help prevent dementia.
But those things aside, how else can one avoid it?
Using computers during your senior years is.
Computers - The Unlikely Hero Against Dementia
Computers are different from televisions. You are required to interact with a computer and use your brain for other than switching channels and if you like the show being presented on the screen.
A study from O'Shea, De Wit, and Smith titled "Doctor Should I Use Computer Games to prevent Dementia?" found that computer games or "brain games" "modestly benefit" aspects of cognition and mood in patients presenting with Mild Cognitive Impairment. However, there is no direct evidence that computer games can prevent Dementia.
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This study means that although playing computer games can't prevent dementia, playing them is part of the solution.
On the other hand, another study from the American Academy of Neurology found that people aged 50 and older that use a computer could lower the risk or delay age-related memory loss that could lead to getting Dementia, per Science Daily.
However, the study noted that the use of a computer is only a part of the solution again, with it listing playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities as other ways to prevent dementia.
Finally, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found in its four-year study the use of a computer can help people aged 70 and above to retain their memory and thinking abilities in their advanced age, preventing them from getting Dementia, per Aphyr.
Additionally, regular PC users were 42% less likely to develop memory problems that can lead to dementia.
Interestingly, although other activities that could help prevent dementia were tested, the use of a computer was still more beneficial than knitting, completing crosswords, and attending social events.
A Part Of The Solution Only
As you may have noticed from the previously mentioned studies, using a computer is only a part of the solution and not a solution in and of itself.
As such, the use of computers when they're at home and can't go outside for any reason is a good way t prevent dementia. However, it must also be supplemented with other activities to further decrease the chances of getting it.
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