(NaturalHealth365)  A new study published in Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research reveals an alarming trend: children and teenagers are experiencing a dramatic surge in memory problems, which researchers link to escalating exposure to wireless radiation from smartphones, Wi-Fi, and 5G technology.

The numbers are staggering.  In Norway, medical consultations for memory disturbances in children ages 5-19 increased from 179.5 per 100,000 in 2006 to 1,522.4 per 100,000 in 2024 – an 8.5-fold increase.  In Sweden, children diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (which includes memory problems) surged from 0.86 per 100,000 in 2010 to 51.5 per 100,000 in 2024 – a nearly 60-fold increase.

Researchers found the memory crisis coincides perfectly with increased wireless technology exposure

Study authors Mona Nilsson (Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation) and Dr. Hardell analyzed nearly two decades of national health data.  They found the increases coincide precisely with children’s dramatically escalating exposure to microwave radiofrequency (RF) radiation – particularly following deployment of 4G and 5G base stations, plus increasing use of smartphones, wireless headsets, and Wi-Fi in schools and homes.

By 2022, more than 70% of Swedish children aged 15 used smartphones for over 3 hours daily.  Among 12-year-olds, over 40% exceeded 3 hours daily.

The 5G rollout since 2019 has caused particularly sharp increases in RF radiation exposure.  The authors cite case studies showing rapid onset of “microwave syndrome” symptoms – including memory impairment – in individuals after 5G deployment near homes and schools.  Their previous research documented that 5G radiation levels increased more than 100 times compared to 3G and 4G.

Decades of research prove wireless radiation damages memory and brain function

The hippocampus – critical for memory, learning, and spatial navigation – appears particularly vulnerable to exposure to wireless radiation.  Numerous animal studies show microwave RF radiation damages the hippocampus, causing neuronal degeneration and impaired memory function at levels well below international exposure limits.

Studies on humans found similar effects.  Swiss teenagers with higher cumulative RF brain exposure showed decreased memory scores.  Male students ages 13-16 attending schools within 200 meters of cell towers had impaired spatial working memory and attention.  Children using mobile phones showed increased perception disorders, memory problems, and fatigue.

Adults are experiencing the same effects

While this study focused on children, the implications extend far beyond childhood.  Already in the 1960s and 1970s, scientists documented that adult workers exposed to microwave radiation at non-thermal levels developed memory problems, concentration difficulties, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disorders – collectively termed “microwave syndrome” or “radiofrequency sickness.”

A 2025 study found that adults living in homes with higher RF radiation levels (5,000-8,000 μW/m² – well below safety limits) reported memory problems, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, and irritability at rates exceeding 90%.

Adults now spend hours daily on smartphones; work in office buildings saturated with Wi-Fi; live near cell towers, and sleep with wireless devices in bedrooms.  The cumulative exposure has never been higher.  And while children’s developing brains are particularly vulnerable, adult brains aren’t immune.

Research on the 1,800 personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow exposed to elevated microwave radiation during the 1970s found increased prevalence of depression, irritation, concentration problems, and memory difficulties compared to unexposed groups.

More recently, people exposed to 5G base stations near their homes rapidly developed severe microwave syndrome symptoms, including memory decline, concentration deficits, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment – even when they’d previously tolerated 3G and 4G exposure without problems.

The mechanism is clear: microwave RF radiation damages the hippocampus and impairs brain function regardless of age.  The difference is that children accumulate this damage during critical developmental periods, while adults experience accelerated cognitive decline and impaired function during their peak productive years.

Natural strategies to reduce exposure for all ages

Minimize smartphone use: Adults and children should limit phone time.  Use airplane mode when possible.  Never sleep with phones near your head.

Reduce Wi-Fi exposure: Turn off Wi-Fi routers at night or use wired internet connections when possible for desktop computers, smart TVs, and gaming systems.

Create low-EMF zones: Keep bedrooms free of wireless devices.  Everyone’s brain needs protection during sleep when the glymphatic system clears toxins.

Distance is your friend: Keep devices away from the body.  Use speakerphone instead of holding the phone to the head, and avoid carrying phones in pockets.

Workplace protection: If you work in an office building with Wi-Fi – especially near cell towers, take breaks outside, use wired connections when possible, and advocate for EMF reduction.

Support brain detoxification: The brain’s glymphatic system clears toxins during deep sleep.  Prioritize sleep hygiene, adequate hydration, antioxidant-rich foods (such as organic berries and dark leafy greens), and omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and repair.

Discover comprehensive strategies for protecting brain health

This study reveals a public health crisis affecting all ages.  Wireless radiation doesn’t discriminate – it impairs memory and cognitive function in children during critical development and in adults trying to maintain peak mental performance.

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Sources for this article include:

Cdn.fortunejournals.com
Radiationprotection.se
Childrenshealthdefense.org
Degruyterbill.com
Journals.sagepub.com
NIH.gov