The question of whether using smartphones is safe for people with Alzheimer’s disease involves multiple considerations, including potential health risks from electromagnetic radiation, cognitive and behavioral impacts, and the benefits of digital technology for monitoring and supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s.
From a medical and scientific perspective, there is currently **no definitive evidence that smartphone use directly causes or worsens Alzheimer’s disease**. However, some research has explored the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices, including smartphones, on brain health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
One recent review published in *Frontiers in Neurology* examined the influence of wireless radiation, particularly at the 2.4 GHz frequency commonly used by Wi-Fi and smartphones, on oxidative stress and gene expression related to Alzheimer’s disease. Oxidative stress is a biological process involving an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can lead to cellular and neuronal damage and is implicated in Alzheimer’s pathology. The review found that exposure to wireless radiation could alter the expression of genes involved in DNA repair, metabolism, and neuronal function, including genes like GSK3B and APOE that are associated with neurodegeneration. These findings suggest a potential for prolonged exposure to wireless radiation to exacerbate mechanisms linked to Alzheimer’s, but the evidence is **mixed and inconclusive**, and no causal link has been firmly established. The authors emphasize the need for further rigorous research to clarify these potential risks [1][2].
Beyond radiation concerns, smartphones and digital devices have shown promise in supporting people with Alzheimer’s disease through digital health innovations. Researchers are increasingly using smartphones and wearable sensors to track cognitive health, sleep patterns, activity levels, and speech, which can provide valuable real-time data for monitoring disease progression and tailoring care. For example, Dr. Huitong Ding’s work at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine highlights how digital phenotyping—using data from everyday smartphone use—can reliably reflect cognitive health and help predict Alzheimer’s risk and progression [3].
Remote monitoring technologies, often smartphone-based, are also being studied for their ability to support aging-in-place for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, especially in underserved populations. These technologies can help maintain communication with caregivers and assist with daily living activities, potentially improving quality of life and safety. Studies are underway to assess the usability and acceptability of such systems among rural and low-income populations, indicating growing interest in leveraging smartphones as tools for dementia care rather than viewing them solely as potential risks [4].
It is important to note that while smartphones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), the levels of exposure during typical use are generally considered low and within safety limits set by regulatory agencies. The current scientific consensus does not confirm that these exposures cause neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The complexity of Alzheimer’s disease, which involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, means that no single factor like smartphone use can be isolated as a cause or major risk [1][2].
In practical terms, for people with Alzheimer’s disease, the safety of smartphone use also depends on cognitive and behavioral factors. Smartphones can be confusing or frustrating for individuals with cognitive impairment, potentially leading to stress or misuse. However, with appropriate support, simplified interfaces, and caregiver involvement, smartphones can be valuable tools for communication, reminders, and emergency assistance.
In summary, while some emerging research raises questions about the long-term effects of wireless radiation on brain health, there is no conclusive evidence that smartphone use is unsafe for people with Alzheimer’s disease. On the contrary, smartphones and related digital technologies hold significant potential to aid in monitoring, supporting, and improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s, provided their use is carefully managed and tailored to individual needs.
Sources:
[1] PMC article on Wi-Fi radiation and Alzheimer’s disease (2025)
[2] Environmental Health News review on wireless radiation and Alzheimer’s (2025)
[3] Boston University Hariri Institute profile on digital innovation in Alzheimer’s research (2025)
[4] Research Protocols study on remote monitoring technologies for Alzheimer’s care (2025)
