Have you noticed that you've been forgetting things more often or that your memory has gotten worse recently?
Smartphones are an essential item in modern society, but excessive use can increase the risk of illness
In recent years, there has been an increase in smartphone dementia, especially among people in their 30s to 50sSmartphone dementia is a type of dementia in which symptoms can be expected to improve, but caution is required as it may lead to early-onset dementia
In this article, we will introduce the symptoms and countermeasures for smartphone dementia
If you are worried that you may have smartphone dementia, please use this to help improve your lifestyle habits
table of contents
What is smartphone dementia?
Smartphone dementia is said to be common among younger generations, but what are its symptoms and causes?
Symptoms of smartphone dementia
Smartphone dementia is caused by brain overwork due to smartphone addiction, and exhibits symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. While these symptoms are often temporary and reversible, caution is required as there is a risk of developing early-onset dementia
・Decreased memory and concentration
・Distraction
- Language disorders
- Decline in executive function
・Decreased communication skills
・Planning and creativity skills decline
・Loss of motivation to live
・Poor health and emotional instability
Unlike other forms of dementia, smartphone dementia is not noticed by those around you. The symptoms progress without the person even realizing it, so being conscious of how you use your smartphone can lead to prevention and improvement
Causes of smartphone dementia
Smartphone dementia is caused by the cessation of function in the prefrontal cortex, which is known as the brain's command center
Our brains process all the news and videos we watch every day, as well as our work and personal emails, without us even realizing it. However, even if the amount of information each is small, when these tasks accumulate, the brain can become overwhelmed and unable to process the information
When the brain becomes overworked, its ability to process information declines, and symptoms of smartphone dementia begin to appear
Smartphone Dementia Checklist
If you suspect you may have smartphone dementia, try the checklist below
The more items that apply to you, the more likely you are to have smartphone dementia
If you suspect you may have smartphone dementia, try to reassess your lifestyle habits
I've been forgetting things more recently
・Lack of motivation/interest
My head and body are always tired
・You are experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and dizziness
I feel irritable or depressed
I lost my ability to concentrate
・Work and housework arrangements have become worse
I use my smartphone in my free time
・Looking at your smartphone before going to bed
・You spend a lot of time using your smartphone when you're out and about
・You can't reach your destination without your smartphone
・Take photos of things you want to remember with your smartphone
・I can no longer write kanji these days
Measures against smartphone dementia
Smartphone dementia is a condition that can occur to anyone who uses a smartphone on a daily basis. While it is difficult to completely avoid smartphone use in modern society, it is important to take measures to prevent smartphone dementia
Do a digital detox
Do you touch your smartphone while eating, before going to bed, or in the bathroom?
If you find yourself reaching for your smartphone without realizing it, we recommend a digital detox, where you don't touch your phone for a set period of time
You can check your smartphone usage time and usage status on the smartphone settings screen
Take this opportunity to reassess your purpose and frequency of use of your smartphone
Make time to not touch your smartphone
To avoid smartphone dementia, you need to give your brain time to rest
Even while you are casually looking at the information displayed on your smartphone, your brain is constantly working and fatigue is accumulating
Try to spend as much time as possible not looking at your smartphone and create a state where your brain can refresh
Don't rely too much on your smartphone's functions
Nowadays, it is common to search for any questions you have on your smartphone
However, if you continue to do this, you will have fewer opportunities to think logically, increasing your risk of developing smartphone dementia
When you have a question, try to think it through, look it up in a book or dictionary, or ask someone, so that you can solve it without using your smartphone's search function
Increase direct communication
Direct communication with others stimulates the brain and helps prevent smartphone dementia
The messaging function on your smartphone is convenient, but why not try meeting up with your family and friends and having a conversation every once in a while?
Summary of smartphone dementia
In this article, we introduced smartphone dementia
・Smartphone dementia has symptoms similar to Alzheimer's dementia
・Symptoms of smartphone dementia are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease
・The cause of smartphone dementia is a decrease in processing ability due to brain overwork
・Keeping your distance from smartphones can help prevent smartphone dementia
If any of the symptoms or checklist resonate with you, try stepping away from your smartphone and giving your brain a rest
Supervision: Dr. Yasushi Tsuda