Browsing the net 'can stave off dementia'

LONDON: Want to stave off dementia? Browse the web, for a new study says that using the Internet can help boost brain power in people as they age.

An international team has carried out the study and found that Internet use can boost the brain activity of the elderly, potentially slowing or even reversing the age-related declines that can end in dementia.

The study has found that the Internet stimulates mind more strongly than reading and its effects continue long after an web session ends.

"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.

"Our most striking finding was that Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading," team leader Prof Gary Small was quoted by 'The Sunday Times' as saying.

The findings were based on an analysis of brain scans of 24 volunteers aged between 55 and 76. Half were experienced Internet users, the rest were not.