Rising Digital Dementia in Youth: Cognitive Impact of Screen Time and Online Habits

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Neurologist and pediatrician Almira Gimranova recently spoke about the rising issue of digital dementia, a term used to describe how constant digital exposure might affect young minds. The concern centers on how extensive use of screens and online information can influence memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.

Experts describe digital dementia as a pattern where prolonged time spent with smartphones, tablets, and virtual reality can coincide with noticeable changes in cognitive stamina. This includes weaker short-term memory, diminished focus, and slower information processing. The habit of seeking answers online rather than engaging memory or deep reading can contribute to lower brain activity over time, particularly in children and teens who spend significant hours online.

Gimranova recommends practical steps for individuals who notice potential signs. Regular breaks from screens, more time outdoors, increased physical activity, and mentally challenging tasks can support cognitive health. Activities such as solving puzzles, reading complex texts, and sustained attention exercises are suggested to strengthen memory and concentration. In short, consistent mental training in varied ways can promote brain resilience.

According to a specialist from Gemotest Laboratory, the misuse of social networks may be linked to a range of mental health concerns in younger populations, including digital dementia. This perspective aligns with broader clinical observations about how digital habits can shape cognitive and emotional well-being in youth. [citation]

Experts emphasize that digital dementia is not a single condition but a cluster of cognitive and behavioral changes that can arise with high digital exposure. Ongoing research continues to explore how screen time, online information consumption, and virtual interactions interact with developing brains, and what interventions best support healthier cognitive function. [citation]

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