Introduction
The increasing prevalence of electronic device usage, including smartphones, tablets, and Wi-Fi routers, has led to heightened worries regarding the possible health impacts of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. Within the realm of health research, the influence of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation on memory function has emerged as a noteworthy subject of interest. Recent findings indicate that extended exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, namely from radiofrequency (RF) sources, could negatively impact memory and cognitive abilities.
EMF Radiation and Memory
Potential prenatal consequences of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) include cellular demise and suppression of neural stem cell development. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) can also impact the process of neurogenesis in both the developing and adult brain. A study proposed that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) can impact the generation of new cells in the cornu ammonis (CA) cortex of the hippocampus during embryonic development. Such may lead to decline in behavioural and cognitive abilities related to learning activities and short-term memory (Altunkaynak., 2016).
Numerous research have examined the possible correlation between exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and cognitive impairments. Investigation in this field is still in progress, yet, there are several studies that emphasize the possible hazards:
Alterations in Brain Function
An investigation published in PLOS ONE revealed that the cerebral activity in areas linked to memory and learning can be influenced by exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation emitted by mobile phones. Particularly, the study found that those who were exposed to mobile phone radiation exhibited modified brainwave patterns in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, a crucial region implicated in memory and decision-making functions.
Studies on Memory Impairment
Additional data from animal studies supports the notion that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure can hinder memory. An experiment carried out on rats and published in Brain Research revealed that prolonged exposure to RF-EMF could lead to substantial impairments in memory processing. Rats subjected to electromagnetic fields (EMF) exhibited reduced performance in memory-related activities, indicating that extended exposure may result in alterations in both the structure and function of the brain (Benke et al., 2024).
Neuroinflammation and Memory
Another hypothesised method by which EMF radiation may affect memory is by the induction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. An analysis published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine examined the potential correlation between exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, therefore inducing oxidative harm to brain cells. Excessive oxidative stress might hinder the operation of neurons and synapses, which are essential for the process of memory creation and retrieval (Kim et al., 2019).
Effects on the memory of Adolescents
Research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives investigated how exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) affects memory performance in teenagers. An investigation revealed that adolescents who were often subjected to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile devices, especially during phone conversations, showed a decline in their ability to recall figural information. Figural memory, encompasses the capacity to recall forms and visuals, is predominantly controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain, which is typically in closest proximity to the phone during phone conversations (Benke et al., 2024).
Conclusion
A rising issue is the possible influence of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation on memory and cognitive function, especially considering the widespread use of electronic gadgets in everyday life. Although further investigation is necessary to comprehensively grasp the long-term consequences, current research indicates that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation may be a contributing factor to memory decline and other cognitive deficits. By implementing proactive measures to decrease exposure, individuals can effectively safeguard their brain health and mitigate the possible hazards linked to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.
References
Altunkaynak, B.Z., Altun, G., Yahyazadeh, A., Kaplan, A.A., Deniz, O.G., Türkmen, A.P., Önger, M.E. and Kaplan, S., 2016. Different methods for evaluating the effects of microwave radiation exposure on the nervous system. Journal of chemical neuroanatomy, 75, pp.62-69.
Benke, G., Abramson, M.J., Brzozek, C., McDonald, S., Kelsall, H., Sanagou, M., Zeleke, B.M., Kaufman, J., Brennan, S., Verbeek, J. and Karipidis, K., 2024. The effects of radiofrequency exposure on cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational studies. Environment International, p.108779.
Kim, J.H., Lee, J.K., Kim, H.G., Kim, K.B. and Kim, H.R., 2019. Possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on central nerve system. Biomolecules & therapeutics, 27(3), p.265.