Internet boosts brain of older adults

They put forward the idea that learning to use the Internet stimulates neural activation patterns and could enhance brain function and cognition in older adults.

First author Teena D Moody, a senior research associate at the Semel Institute at UCLA, told the press that:

"The results suggest that searching online may be a simple form of brain exercise that might be employed to enhance cognition in older adults."

Co-author Dr Gary Small, a professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, who has written a book titled iBrain that describes the impact of new technology on the brain and behavior, said:

"We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing Internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function."