Gadgets like phones and laptops have become an important part of our lives. It is now difficult to imagine life without them. We use these devices for everything from work to entertainment and communication. We can say that we have become 'dependent' on them to a great extent. But their excessive use (excess use of phone) has many ill effects on our health. Till now we believed that these only cause problems like obesity, eye problems, anxiety. But for some time, a new problem related to this is emerging, which is called "Digital Dementia".

Digital Dementia is a term that has been discussed a lot in recent years. It is used for a condition in which cognitive abilities are reduced due to excessive use of technical devices. Although this problem is not medically recognized, it is still important to know about it. In this article, we will try to know about the symptoms of digital dementia and ways to prevent it.

What are the symptoms of digital dementia?

• Lack of focus - Difficulty gathering and storing information.
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• Memory problems-- trouble remembering recent events .
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• Learning difficulties - having trouble understanding new information.
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• Trouble judging time and direction- Not being able to properly judge location, direction, and time.
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• Difficulty in decision making – challenges in making the right decision after analyzing the options.
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What are the causes of digital dementia?

• Excessive screen time – Using computers, smartphones, TV, etc. for long periods of time.
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• Multi-tasking- Trying to do several things at the same time.
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• Lack of sleep- not getting enough sleep or frequent interruptions in sleep.
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• Stress and anxiety- Cognitive ability can be affected due to mental pressure.
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Tips to avoid digital dementia

• Limit screen time- Control the time of using phone, laptop etc.
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• Digital detox- take a complete break from tech devices from time to time.
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• Take care of your eyes- take regular eye rests and use blue light filter on laptop screen.
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• Engage in outdoor activities – Spend time in nature and participate in physical activity.
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• Get enough sleep- Sleep for 7-9 hours at night. Keep your bedroom dark and try to keep the environment quiet.
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• Practice stress management – ​​Techniques like yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress .
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• Brain stimulating activities- Practice reading maps, telling time or finding directions. Do brain teaser activities like puzzles, chess, etc.
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• Maintain social connections – spend time with friends and family.
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• Eat a healthy diet- Consume nutrient-rich food items.
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To avoid digital dementia, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Be careful while using technological devices and take care of your mental and physical health. Remember, technological devices are meant to make our lives easier, but we do not need to become their slaves.