Internet search engines boost brain power
22 October 2009
There is increasing evidence that the old adage stands when it comes to keeping your mind healthy as you get older - 'either use it or lose it'. 
Dr Rebecca Small, assistant clinical director for Bupa
Using internet search engines can boost brain power in older adults, according to new research.
The findings were presented at the Neuroscience 2009 annual meeting.
The scientists studied the brain activity of 24 people aged between 55 and 78. Half the people were internet savvy, ie they used the internet several times a day, and the other half were novices, ie they only used the internet once a month on average.
Each person carried out a search-based test on the internet while the researchers used MRI scanning to monitor their brain activity. They were then asked to carry out seven separate hour-long searches of the internet at home to answer specific questions within the following two weeks. After this, they were invited back so the researchers could do the MRI scanning again to look for any changes in brain activity.
The results showed that after two weeks, the novices had increased activity in the areas of the brain important for decision making and working memory. They also found activity in the parts of the brain responsible for language, reading, memory and how well you see things. These patterns of brain activity were similar to those seen in the internet savvy group.
The researchers suggested that this increase in brain activity could be because online searches require your brain to multi-task. Not only do you have to hold important information in your working memory when you search online, but you also need to extract important points from competing graphics and words.
Dr Rebecca Small, assistant clinical director for Bupa, commented: "This study supports previous research into brain activity and ageing. However, it's important to bear in mind that these are only initial findings.
"There is increasing evidence that the old adage stands when it comes to keeping your mind healthy as you get older - 'either use it or lose it'. Playing board games, music or card games, and reading and writing are all thought to help you do this. If you already have memory problems, there are plenty of tricks you can use. For example, writing a diary will help you keep track of the jobs you need to do, and getting into the habit of keeping things in the same place at home will make them easier to find."
| Key facts |
|---|
|
Related information
- Alzheimer's disease health factsheet
- Dementia health factsheet
- MRI scan health factsheet
- Sensible drinking an overview health factsheet
- Stress health factsheet
- Stress in the workplace health factsheet
Back to the latest health news
