Digital neurobehavioral signature and its association with cognitive function and psychological resilience: a cross-sectional study of digital lifestyle patterns and cognitive health
Cross-sectional study reveals adverse digital lifestyle patterns correlate with poorer cognition in adults, suggesting psychological resilience buffers neurocognitive decline.
Key Points
To evaluate the relationship between digital neurobehavioral signature scores, cognitive performance, and psychological resilience in adults, while exploring the potential mediating role of resilience.
Conducted a cross-sectional study of 400 adults at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi.
Calculated composite digital neurobehavioral signature (DNS) scores combining screen time, sleep, physical activity, and digital engagement metrics.
Assessed cognitive function via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and evaluated depressive symptoms and resilience using validated scales, analyzed with multivariable regression, mediation analysis, and Bonferroni-adjusted ANOVA.
Higher composite DNS scores were independently associated with lower cognitive scores (β = −0.34, p < 0.001).
Participants presenting maladaptive DNS profiles exhibited significantly lower cognitive performance and psychological resilience compared to those with adaptive profiles (p < 0.001).
Psychological resilience demonstrated a positive association with cognitive function and partially mediated the relationship between digital lifestyle behaviors and cognition.