RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIGITAL DEVICE USE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS ATTENDING A MEMORY CLINIC

The use of digital devices in older adults is influenced by several factors, including cognitive factors. Studies report a positive association between cognitive function and computer use. Indeed, computer use is considered to be a mentally stimulating activity, which might help maintain and enhance cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive function in relation to computer and mobile touchscreen device use among older adults attending a memory clinic. The sample was composed of 112 subjects with normal cognition (NC), 127 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and 84 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between different profiles of digital device use, sociodemographic factors and clinical diagnosis. We further compared cognitive ability among different profiles of digital device use with an analysis of covariance. On a daily basis, 26% of the sample used both types of device, 26.9% used a computer, 7.1% used a mobile touchscreen device and 39.9% did not use any type of digital device. Older age was associated with decreased probability of using a digital device daily. Higher education increased the probability of using either a computer or both types of device on a daily basis. NC subjects were more likely than AD subjects to be daily computer users (odds ratio [OR]: 5.1, 95% CI: 2.3-11.5) and daily users of both types of device (OR: 12.2, 95% CI: 4.7-32.0), rather than non-daily users of any type of device. Non-daily users of digital devices had significantly lower performances, compared to daily users of both types of digital device, on measures of global cognitive function, processing speed, short-term memory and several components of executive function (p < 0.05). Falling behind with regards to digital device use might reflect underlying poor cognitive capacities. Older adults for whom this is the case might also be disadvantaged and marginalized. Interventions aimed at training older adults in the use of digital devices might allow not only to bridge digital divides limiting access to resources and services, but also to enhance cognitive function and to maintain their independence.