Internet surfing - good for them!

New research has uncovered yet another benefit from the Internet revolution: web surfing enhances the functioning of middle-aged and older brains, helping to retard the slowing down of brain activity associated with advancing age. As well, browsing the Internet stimulates the brain better than just reading books.

The study, conducted by University of California Los Angeles researchers, analyzed the brain activity of middle-age and older adults during web browsing. It involved 24 adults, ages 55 to 78. No one among the participants had dementia or any other neurological conditions, and they all had similar educational levels. One half of the group searched the Internet at least once a day, while the other half used it only once a month or never.

Brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans on two separate activities: while reading text (formatted to look like a book and displayed on a computer monitor) and while performing web searches.

The researchers found that when both groups were reading the same areas of the brain were stimulated. These involve brain regions that controlled language, reading, memory and visual activity.

But the group that regularly went browsing on the web showed two times the brain activity when they went on a new Internet search. The most active regions during the search activity involved the frontal lobes, temporal lobes and cingulate areas, which are involved in complex reasoning and decision making.

It thus appeared that computerized technologies have physiological effects that benefit the well-being of middle-aged and older adults. The most noteworthy finding was that searching the Internet engages the neural network and circuitry of the brain on a scale larger than in reading — but this was significant only when there was prior experience with browsing.

In short, the more experience in Internet searching, the greater the degree of engagement of the brain.

As people age, numerous changes occur in the brain. Cognitive functions normally slow down as the brain undergoes atrophy, reduced neural network activity, and increased plaque deposits.

Many previous studies have found that people who continue to engage their brains in mind-stimulating activity, even crossword or Soduku puzzles, show better abilities at preserving cognitive functions and overall improvements in brain health.

This study is the first of its kind that assesses the impact of Internet usage on brain activity. To middle-aged and older people, this may be a revelation.

The findings suggest that older people can continue to learn as brain sensitivity has not deteriorated but only needs regular stimulation.

Safety Tip:

* Browse regularly, at least once a day. You might learn something or make a new friend.