The Association Between Smartphone Overuse and Cognitive Impairment Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The widespread usage of smartphones has led to increasing concern regarding their potential adverse effects on cognitive health. While international studies have explored associations between excessive smartphone use and cognitive decline, there remains a gap in the literature specific to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim This study aimed to investigate the association between smartphone overuse and cognitive impairment among adults in the UAE. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 401 adults aged ≥18 years across the UAE. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. Participants were categorized into three categories: low-risk, high-risk, and addicts based on the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The assessment of cognitive impairment was done through the Ascertain Dementia-8 Scale (AD8). Results A total of 281 participants (70%) were female, and 284 (71%) were in the age range of 18-24. Among the participants, 302 (75.3%) were classified as addicts, 75 (18.7%) were high-risk, and 24 (6%) were low-risk. According to the AD8 scale, the mean score was 1.9, and 182 (45.4%) of the participants were more likely to have cognitive impairment. A statistically significant association was observed between smartphone addiction and cognitive impairment (p = 0.002). The prevalence of cognitive impairment in addicts, high-risk, and low-risk subjects was 152 (50.3%), 22 (29.3%), and eight (33.3%), respectively. Smartphone overuse was also significantly associated with sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), headaches (p = 0.007), painful fingers (p = 0.015), and visual strain (p = 0.030). Depression was found to be significantly associated with cognitive impairment (p = 0.007). Conclusion The findings highlight a significant association between excessive smartphone use and cognitive impairment among adults in the UAE. These results emphasize the need for awareness campaigns, early screening initiatives, and further longitudinal research to explore causality and mitigate the cognitive risks associated with digital overuse.