Digital Dementia

Digital Dementia is a term coined by Manfred Spitzer, a German neuroscientist and psychiatrist, in 2012. He warns that those who spent a lot of time using screens in early childhood have affected the brain development and speech. He describes the brain as similar to a muscle that grows when used and attrophies when not used. When devices are used, the back of the brain is overactive , while the front part of the brain including the frontal and parietal lobes, are under-stimulated . The occipital lobe in the back of the brain is where the brain processes visual signals such as visual cues from a video game, social media or TV program. The frontal and parietal lobes are responsible for higher order thinking and socially apropriate behaviour. Children and adolescents are a high-risk population because of their massive technologic reliance while their brain maturation is ongoing. He recommends "zero" (unsupervised?) screen-time for children under the age of 18.

So, what are the top symtoms of digital dementia? The top few that come up are:

• slouched posture
• developmental delays
• short-term memory loss
• social seclusion
• lack of movement
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• balance disorders
• uncoordinated movement patterns.
• sleep disorders
• significantly higher body mass index

More recent work by Manwell et al. argues that screen-time during brain development increases the risk of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural disorders in adolescents and young adults. They predict that by 2060 the increased rate of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will result in "widespread societal and economic distress and the complete collapse of already overburdened healthcare systems in developed countries". Some of these effects are similar to those seen in adults with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment in the early stages of dementia, including developmental delays, impaired concentration, orientation, acquisition of recent memories (anterograde amnesia), recall of past memories (retrograde amnesia), social functioning, and self-care . They end by stating that immediate action is needed.

Is memory loss the first sign of dementia? Frontal lobe dementia is not usually associated with memory loss in its early stages. Of course, it is a progressive form of dementia, and while digital dementia increases the risk of a acquiring full blown demential later on, it is certain it will happen.

What is the umbrella of dementia? Dementia is the umbrella term for a number of neurological conditions, of which the major symptom includes a global decline in brain function. Parkinson's is considered by some to be a form of dementia with different starting places in the brain. Both occur when there is a disrupted flow of dopamine, which happens during addictions.

Is digital dementia reversible? yes, if the damage to the brain is not extreme. Whereas by the time Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are symptomatic, the decline of the brain function is global and they are not considered reversible.

Is OCD related to dementia? Some studies say that people with OCD have an increased risk of developing dementia . Addiction is more prevalent among people with OCD with internet addiction being particularly prevalent. It may be that when, e.g., the frontal part of the brain shrinks, a "short circuit", i.e., the OCD, is more likely to happen. In addition, people with OCD "medicate" themselves via addictions that temporarily make them feel good.

How long does it take for dementia to set in? Nobody knows for sure. Some say it likely begins 10-15 years before people have any symptoms. Manwell et al. say the rate of dementia is 4-6 times higher than in the 1950s. Screen usage started in the early 2000. It's been 20 years. Of course, the connection between digital demetia and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias still has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt. The argument is that by then it might be too late to avoid societal collapse. The conclusion is that more resources have to be allocated for these studies AND for the treatment of mental health.

Disclaimer: I cannot and do NOT advise on any medical issues. This post is simply a compilation of what I understood from what I read.