Screen Fatigue, Doom Scrolling And Brain Fog: Are These New-Age Alzheimer’s Triggers?

Some of the evidence suggests that the internet is shrinking our grey matter, shortening attention spans, weakening memory and distorting our cognitive processes. But, can these modern habits actually trigger Alzheimer’s or is there not enough evidence as yet?

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Screen Fatigue, Doom Scrolling And Brain Fog: Are These New-Age Alzheimer’s Triggers?


The term Brain rot’ was coined  about 20 years ago when scientists were studying the effects of a ‘revolutionary’ invention at the time called “email”. Precisely, they studied the impact of the unrelenting overload of information on the participants’ brains. The researchers found out that constant cognitive overload had a more negative effect than taking cannabis, with IQs of participants dropping an average of 10 points. That was before  smartphones changed the whole game and became a perpetual necessity to a point where an average Indian today spends five hours daily on their smartphones; watching and scrolling across social media, gaming, and video streaming.                                                                                           Researchers from institutions including Harvard medical school, the University of Oxford and King’s College London have, over the years, constantly attempted to understand how the use of technology impacts our cognitive ability. Some of the evidence suggests that the internet is shrinking our grey matter, shortening attention spans, weakening memory and distorting our cognitive processes. But can these modern habits actually trigger Alzheimer’s or is there not enough evidence as yet? 

Screen Fatigue, Doomscrolling, and Brain Fog

Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, suggests that to understand how screen time affects our brain we must first distinguish between the different cognitive conditions.

He explains, Screen fatigue is that tiresome feeling you get after looking at a screen for a considerable amount of time. Dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing are some of its major symptoms. 

On the other hand, Doomscrolling is when you take your phone out to watch a ‘couple’ of reels or videos and then you scroll for an infinity without realizing how much time has gone by. As the algorithm is driven by ‘negative news’ and ‘filtered influencing’, doomscrooling often leaves one feeling anxious. Brain fog is the condition when your brain is muddled and clear focus and memorizing details become untenable.

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How These Habits Affect the Brain

Exposure to screens for longer hours torrents our brain with a barrage of information inducing emotional stimuli. This overload of information hampers our ability to concentrate and remember. Doomscrolling particularly exposes us to what Dr.Renjen calls‘negative content’, inducing anxiety and sadness. 

“These habits may eventually change how the brain functions, especially in younger people, making them prone to memory problems or cognitive decline in the latter stages of life,” Renjen adds.

Are These the Same as Alzheimer’s Disease?

Renjen says that it is important to make a  distinction between brain fog and Alzheimer’s disease. Brain fog, usually, is temporary and often interlinked to stress, insomnia, or excessive screen time. A few changes in lifestyle and it might just go away. However, Alzheimer’s disease is a more serious, progressive condition where the brain gradually deteriorates, resulting in permanent memory loss and cognitive decline. Unlike brain fog, Alzheimer’s is irreversible and requires medical attention.

Could Excessive Screen Time Trigger Alzheimer’s?

Research suggests that excessive screen time over a sustained time period, especially passive activities like binge-watching or endless scrolling, may be harmful to the brain in the long term. Studies have found associations between heavy screen use and an increased risk of memory problems and brain changes similar to those seen in dementia. Younger people who spend a lot of time on screens might face a higher risk of early cognitive issues as they age.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Brain?

Setting and monitoring time limits on daily usage, particularly before bedtime, helps. Taking regular detoxing breaks from screens to engage in activities like reading, walking, or socializing in person can go a long way too. "In this day and age," says Renjen, "one has to be mindful about the type of content one consumes—avoiding unnecessary and negative news or social media—supports your mental well being.’’ he adds. 

While screen fatigue, doomscrolling, and brain fog are not the same as Alzheimer’s disease, they serve as a writing on the wall on how modern digital habits can adversely impact brain function. Excessive and unbalanced screen use may increase the risk of memory problems and cognitive decline over time. The need of the hour is to adopt healthier screen habits and to take care of our mental health. And, by doing that, we can help protect our brains and maintain clarity and focus in a world becoming increasingly digital.


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