Dementia claims are ‘junk science’

A British neuroscientist says suggestions playing videogames may cause dementia in younger people is “junk science” and completely “overblown conclusions” based on “little or no evidence”.

Baroness and leading neuroscientist, Susan Greenfield, recently told Britain’s The Sun newspaper, youngsters should “turn off their computer, go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air” in order to avoid “temporary dementia”. To read DPS News’ story published last week, click here.

However, Cardiff University neuroscientist, Dr Dean Burnett, recently slammed Baroness Greenfield’s dementia claims, describing it as a mere “estimation”.

“The temporary or permanent deactivation of nerve connections in the brain is implied to be a negative consequence of excessive computer game playing, as opposed to a perfectly normal and actually quite essential occurrence in a typical, healthy brain,” Dr Burnett wrote in an article for The Telegraph.

While he acknowledged some of Baroness Greenfield’s conclusions to be accurate, Dr Burnett accused her of “phrasing [her claims]” in such a way as to leave “average readers equal parts confused and concerned”.

He claimed every activity done to excess, be it football, fishing or playing videogames, would have an impact on the wiring of the brain.

“Baroness Greenfield clearly has her reasons for disliking computer games and other electronic entertainments, and I’m sure they’re noble ones,” he concluded. “But this does not justify the use of junk science, or the public airing of overblown conclusions based on little or no evidence.”