"Brain Drain" Myth Is FINALLY Put to Bed?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted June 18, 2023

Adults typically fall into one of two groups.

You either grew up with parents insisting that too much screen time would “rot your brain.” Or you WERE the parent imparting that sage “brain drain” wisdom to your kids. (Or both.)

For those of us of a certain age, television was the culprit. But the internet (and the computers, tablets, and smartphones that get you there) has taken over as the villain in this story.

Well now, a group of really smart folks say we’ve got it all wrong.

In fact, they say, the internet may be precisely what the doctor ordered.

And they can prove it.

Brain Benefits of Being Online

It turns out that using the internet is GOOD for your brain.

That’s the finding of a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The researchers followed 18,154 adults ages 50–65 for 8–17 years. And when they crunched the numbers on how many volunteers reported regular internet use and those who got dementia, the results were shocking.

Folks who regularly used the internet were HALF as likely to have developed dementia as those who didn’t.

The likely reason for the connection is that the internet encourages engagement.

This helps us develop and maintain what’s called “cognitive reserve.” It boils down to the brain’s resilience in the face of age-related changes or brain damage from disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Researchers point out that the internet is often something you actively participate in. You don’t just sit and consume it (like television).

And engagement is the recipe for a healthy brain as you age!

This was an observational, self-reported study, of course. So we still need to do more research to fully understand the link.

But everything we’ve seen so far lets the internet off the hook. (The jury is still out on television, but it’s not looking good.)

Tip for Even MORE Brain Support

Actively taking part in the world helps keep your brain healthy. And now we know that INCLUDES engaging with the internet.

For even MORE brain support, give these guidelines a try…

• Eat a diet high in healthy proteins and low-sugar vegetables.
• Avoid processed foods and foods with too much sugar and vegetable oils. These increase inflammation in the body, which is deadly to your brain.
• Keep your blood sugar under control. Blood sugar and brain health are closely linked. If you need extra help to bring your numbers into line, try a supplement containing chromium or berberine.
• Eat good fats. The best fats you can put in your body are omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil. Not only does your brain need these oils, but fish oils also help tamp down runaway inflammation.
• Exercise. There’s not a single thing that is better for your brain than exercise. Get out and move your body every day.

P.S. Scientists use a simple test to identify when someone might be headed down the dark road to dementia. CLICK HERE to get all the details about this quick brain health quiz (including how to try it yourself!)

Source:

“Internet usage and the prospective risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study” 3 May 2023, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18394

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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