[100-Year Brain Health④] 'Instabrain' Author Anders Hansen: "Engage in Activities More Important for the Brain Than Spending Time on Smartphones"

World-Renowned Bestselling Author and Renowned Psychiatrist
"Sleep Well, Exercise, and Challenge Your Brain"
What Is Good for the Heart Is Also Good for the Brain

Anders Hansen.
Photo by Salomonson Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The launch of the iPhone in January 2007 marked the dawn of the smartphone era. Fifteen years later, smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life for everyone. While the advent of smartphones has advanced human life to a new level, it has also brought about various side effects. In the medical field, research is ongoing regarding so-called ‘digital dementia’ caused by smartphone dependence. So far, no substantial link between smartphone use and dementia has been established. Conversely, there are discussions on using smartphone applications (apps) to prevent dementia, and recently, a British research team published findings suggesting that digital devices may actually help improve memory.

Despite various controversies, one clear fact is that excessive smartphone use can hinder activities beneficial to brain health. Anders Hansen, author of the global bestseller Instabrain and a renowned Swedish psychiatrist (pictured), said in an email interview with Asia Economy, “Research on dementia and smartphone use takes decades, so no immediate results can be expected.” He added, “The point is not that smartphones destroy the brain, but that spending too much time on them causes us to neglect important brain-supporting activities such as sleep, exercise, and social interactions.”

Hansen summarized methods to maintain brain health as “get good sleep, exercise, and challenge your brain.” Specifically, he advised getting at least 7 hours of sleep daily, walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, and engaging in sweating exercises like running for 30 to 45 minutes three times a week. He also recommended nurturing close relationships, meeting friends frequently in real life, reading new books, and visiting new places to stimulate the brain. He explained, “These are key factors to keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of dementia, confirmed by numerous studies.” Hansen emphasized these points in his book as well, showing what happens in the brain during exercise and explaining why humans are designed this way. Readers who understand the exact reasons gain deeper motivation for exercise and activity.

Hansen also offered warm advice for families of dementia patients. He said, “Dementia is a terrible disease not only for patients but also for their families,” and shared, “I was able to empathize with their pain by seeing it firsthand.” He advised, “I want to encourage dementia patients to engage in physical activities like walking safely,” adding, “Physical exercise does not reverse dementia but slows its progression.” He also suggested lifestyle improvements for families of dementia patients. Hansen noted, “Some family members may fear they will also develop dementia. It is true that there is a genetic risk, and having parents or grandparents with dementia increases the risk, but for most individuals, lifestyle factors are more important than genetic risk.” He emphasized, “If you stay physically active, develop your brain, and get good sleep, you can reduce the risk even if there is dementia in your family.”

Throughout the interview, Hansen stressed the importance of exercise. He reiterated, “What is good for the heart is also good for the brain,” and urged, “Exercise should be viewed in this context.”