«Our brain ages faster than we do» - UNN expert Maria Vedunova shares her opinion on how to keep your mind clear
Modern science has identified a trend of accelerated cognitive aging among the population that goes beyond natural age-related changes. Issues with memory, attention, and concentration are increasingly noted not only among those over 60 but also among middle-aged individuals. According to Dr. Maria Vedunova, Director of the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine at Lobachevsky University, this phenomenon is linked to numerous factors.
"In recent years, the processes of computerization, informatization, and digitalization have had a huge impact on the cognitive health of the population. As a result, brain aging, which entails the deterioration of cognitive functions, is no longer solely an age-related and medical issue but has become a global social challenge affecting all segments of the population," Maria Vedunova points out.
The digital environment significantly contributes to the acceleration of cognitive aging. Studies show that the average attention span dropped from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds by 2018. In Russia, 85% of people over 12 years old have access to mobile Internet, with young people spending up to 6 hours daily in the digital environment. Terms like "digital distraction" and even "digital dementia" are increasingly being used in scientific discussions.
The cognitive aging of the population presents numerous challenges and is viewed as a social risk. In Russia, this issue is particularly pressing due to the shortage of labour resources. Statistical data indicates that the share of elderly people in Russia is growing, while the number of working pensioners is declining. By 2030, the labour shortage could reach 2–4 million people.
However, researchers have discovered that the human brain possesses plasticity — the capacity to adapt and regenerate throughout one's lifetime. Consequently, strategies are being devised to safeguard cognitive abilities. Lobachevsky University is actively involved in this endeavor.
"We propose developing a digital platform aimed at early detection and, above all, correction of cognitive disorders. This platform, leveraging machine learning techniques and tailored to each user’s individual characteristics, will help maintain a person's high cognitive status for decades, and serve as a first step in identifying early signs of cognitive aging. The app, installed on a smartphone, will provide users with a customized set of tasks, recommendations, advice, and guidance, mapping out an individual’s cognitive development path without the need for personalized registration," notes Maria Vedunova.
Efforts in this area are already in progress. The university not only carries out basic research but also creates practical solutions designed to enhance the quality of life and preserve the employability of citizens amid shifting demographic and technological landscapes.
