Aging, Memory, and Tech: Could Screens Be Slowing Cognitive Decline in Older Adults?

In today’s digital age, where we rely heavily on technology for our daily tasks, an important question arises: Is technology beneficial or detrimental to our cognitive health?

Jared F. Benge, PhD, ABPP, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center and associate professor for the Dell Medical School Department of Neurology at The University of Texas at Austin, is among the principal investigators of a multi-site study exploring the effects of daily tech use on cognitive function in older adults.

In his clinical practice, Dr. Benge specializes in assessing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment. His research aims to bridge the gap between patient care and scientific discovery to inform new approaches to preserving cognitive function.

Analyzing the Impact of Technology on Cognition

In 2016, Dr. Benge and his co-researcher, Michael K. Scullin, PhD, began collaborating on how technology can support daily functioning in older adults with memory concerns. Recently, they launched a meta-analysis to explore the broader impact of technology use on cognitive health.

“We focused on two competing hypotheses,” explains Dr. Benge. “Does increased technology use accelerate cognitive decline, leading to what is sometimes called ‘digital dementia’? Or does technology build cognitive resilience, creating a ‘technological reserve’ that strengthens the brain?”

The meta-analysis, published in Nature Human Behavior, studied over 400,000 older adults and found that regular technology use was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Encouraged by these findings, Dr. Benge set out to explore how specific technologies might actively support his patients at risk of cognitive decline.

The Study in Action

Now in their first year of recruitment, Dr. Benge and Dr. Scullin are undergoing a randomized multi-site trial to determine how different paper versus digital memory and organizational strategies can help patients in the early stages of cognitive decline.

Participants, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, receive personalized training in either a traditional paper-based calendar or a Google calendar.

“We’re specifically interested in participants who may come in with a digital disadvantage. Not everyone has had the same exposure or access to technologies, so we wanted to see how adults first experiencing these technologies later in life would benefit from their use,” notes Dr. Benge.

Training begins with an in-person session, followed by booster sessions conducted via Zoom over the following month. By tracking patients’ adaptation to paper or digital tools, researchers can assess their effectiveness in supporting memory retention and daily task management.

The study also enrolls family members or caregivers to evaluate the broader impact of technology use.

“Conditions that cause memory impairment don’t just impact the individual,” shares Dr. Benge, “They eventually affect friends, family, and neighbors—and ultimately, our entire nation.” By studying care partners, Dr. Benge and his colleagues aim to better understand which memory strategies help reduce caregiver stress and improve the management of shared responsibilities.

This research is one way UT Health Austin clinicians are bridging the gap between science and everyday care—helping patients and caregivers move toward their goals with confidence.

The Relationship Between Technology and Cognition

Dr. Benge highlights three primary ways in which technology can support cognition: through complexity, connection, and compensatory strategies.

“We know that the more complex your daily life, the better it tends to be for cognitive outcomes,” says Dr. Binge. Engaging with digital tools, such as a crossword puzzle app, requires navigating distractions and new interfaces—activities that are more cognitively demanding than passive ones.

Connection also plays a critical role. “Most older adults have children, grandchildren, and other family members who text or use social media,” adds Dr. Benge. “Being left out of digital connection increases isolation. We know that loneliness negatively impacts brain health and cognition as people age.”

Finally, compensatory behavior—the use of technology to support daily tasks—can help extend independence for individuals experiencing cognitive changes. “Someone may already be experiencing cognitive decline,” explains Dr. Benge, “but if their bills are on autopay, their GPS helps them avoid getting lost, and they’ve set timers to remind them to take medications, they can maintain their independence for longer, despite these challenges.”

Despite its advantages, technology is not a universal solution. “This is not to say that technology is a panacea for the brain. There are digital downsides as well,” acknowledges Dr. Benge.

As a clinician, Dr. Benge advises patients on potential risks, such as digital scams targeting older adults, and warns of the problems posed by distractions. Understanding both the benefits and drawbacks of technology is crucial for integrating it effectively into cognitive care.

Why This Research Matters

At UT Health Austin, patients benefit from research-driven care—and often help shape that research themselves. “Being a patient here means you’re exposed to cutting-edge studies,” shares Dr. Benge. “This provides a unique opportunity to not just receive care informed by the latest research, but also to contribute to shaping how that research evolves over time.”

The broader implications of this research extend beyond individual patients. “We can’t control all aspects of our biology, but we can shape our digital world,” notes Dr. Binge. “Here at UT, we’re building those environments together to maximize benefits and minimize harm.”

Clinical trials, such as those taking place at UT Health Austin and the Dell Medical School, inform the future of health care. As Dr. Benge poignantly concludes, “The generation that gave us the Internet is now aging into dementia risk. Now, it’s our turn to return the benefits of digital tools to them.”

For more information about the Comprehensive Memory Center or to request an appointment, call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.