Internet use 'can help stave off dementia for over 50s'

Using the internet can prove useful for over 50s in preventing mental degenerative illness, according to a research charity.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust has lent its support to research which suggests that internet use can be beneficial for over 50s looking to reduce the risk of dementia.

A study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles recently revealed that performing internet searches can help over 50s to keep their brains stimulated even more than if they were reading.

Timothy Parry, a spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, stated that more research was needed before these benefits can be proved categorically, but maintained that the findings are in line with conventional wisdom.

He described internet use as an activity which exercises a number of different mental processes at the same time, which can carry a cognitive benefit.

Such research could prove useful in the prevention of an illness which currently affects 700,000 people across the UK.

Mr Parry added that maintaining a good diet and exercise regime remained the best way of safeguarding mental and bodily health.



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