Association between Screen Hours and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Few studies have examined TV viewing and cognitive function in older adults. We examined the association between screen hours and cognitive function in older adults in a large national US survey. We used NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 1999-2002 data. Cognitive function was measured in persons aged 60 and older using the DSST (Digit Symbol Substitution Test). Participants were asked “Over the past days, on a typical day how much time altogether did you spend on a typical day sitting and watching TV or videos or using a computer outside of work? Would you say… high school. Unweighted results below will be confirmed using weights. Among 2,800 persons with complete data, a one-way ANOVA of mean DSST scores showed significant variation among screen hours. A two-way ANOVA with screen hours and education showed a significant association of both with DSST score and a significant interaction of screen hours with education level. A linear regression (dependent variable = DSST score) of the number of screen hours, age, and gender showed no significant association with the screen hours entered as a continuous variable (test for trend p= 0.305) controlling for age and gender. Within levels of education, a linear regression of screen hours, age, and gender showed no significant linear association of screen hours with DSST score. In conclusion, we did not find a significant linear association between the number of screen hours and cognitive function.