Forgetting Small Things Often? It Could Be Digital Dementia.

By Dr. Shaji Raj, BAMS

Founder and Chief Physician, Punarjanis Life Sciences, Chennai

In the natural course of human aging, mild memory decline—such as forgetting names or misplacing keys—tends to appear after the age of 60 or 70. Traditionally, these signs were considered a gentle nudge from nature to slow down. But what happens when these symptoms show up in your 20s or 30s?

Alarming as it may sound, today’s youth, even children, are increasingly exhibiting early signs of memory decline—a phenomenon I term “Digital Dementia”.

Understanding Digital Dementia

The brain is an incredible organ. It thrives on stimulation, memorization, concentration, and social interaction. But in the modern digital age, these natural stimuli are being replaced by screen time, instant gratification, and superficial engagement.

Consider this: how many phone numbers do you remember today compared to ten years ago?

How often do you forget where you placed your house keys or whether you locked the front door? Do you struggle to recall what you watched yesterday or the name of a person you just met? If these experiences sound familiar, you’re not alone.

In my 33 years of clinical experience in Ayurveda, I have observed that these are not isolated incidents but a collective symptom of a larger issue—the overuse of digital media and the underuse of our brain’s cognitive faculties.

Why Is This Happening?

We live in an era of overstimulation. Social media reels, OTT platforms, fast-paced video games, and digital interactions are constantly triggering the brain’s reward system without allowing it to rest or reflect. Our attention span has drastically reduced. We no longer enjoy slow, meaningful movies, books, or conversations. Patience is a virtue lost to scrolling.

This change in lifestyle has led to:

Inability to focus on single tasks
Irritability and emotional volatility
Sleep disturbances
Reduced creativity and problem-solving capacity
Anxiety and early-onset depressive states

Children are not spared either. Hyperactivity, short attention spans, academic disinterest, and emotional instability are emerging as the new norm.

What Ayurveda Says

In Ayurveda, the mind and memory are governed by Sattva (clarity), Tarpaka Kapha (nourishment), and Ojas (vital energy). Overuse of digital gadgets weakens these energies, creating imbalances in Vata—leading to restlessness, forgetfulness, and disorientation.

When the Prana Vata (sub-dosha responsible for mental functions) is disturbed, the communication pathways between mind and body weaken, resulting in cognitive dysfunction.

Ayurveda doesn’t just treat symptoms. It teaches us to live in rhythm with nature, strengthen the brain, and nourish the mind through Dinacharya (daily routines), Medhya Rasayanas (memory enhancing herbs), and conscious lifestyle adjustments.

Healing from Digital Dementia

Here are practical steps I recommend to reverse the early signs of digital memory decline:

Digital Detox: Reduce screen time. Start with just 30 minutes a day of conscious disconnection. Introduce weekly “no-screen” evenings.

Memory Training: Practice memorizing phone numbers, names, and routes. Play traditional memory-enhancing games.

Single-tasking: Focus on doing one thing at a time. It improves attention and boosts productivity.

Family Time: Make mealtimes and bedrooms mobile-free. Interact more. Laughter and eye contact heal the brain.

Sunlight s Exercise: Morning sunlight stimulates brain activity. Even 30 minutes of walking, gardening, or yoga daily works wonders.

Sleep Hygiene: Sleep before 10 PM. A consistent sleep-wake cycle repairs brain functions and stabilizes hormones.

At Punarjanis Life Sciences – You Are in Safe Hands

At Punarjanis Life Sciences, we specialize in chronic conditions—both physical and cognitive. With a unique blend of Pulse Diagnosis, Organ Analysis, and Arka-based Ayurvedic Medicines, I help patients trace the root of their memory loss and rejuvenate their neural pathways.

Whether you’re a concerned parent, a fatigued professional, or someone looking to regain clarity and focus, I invite you to visit us. Let’s not wait for a full-blown breakdown. Early intervention is the key to a vibrant life.