Researchers from New York University have found that regular internet use reduces the risk of dementia among older people. Research published Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
More than 18,000 adults aged 50 to 64.9 without dementia participated in the study. During the follow-up period, 4.68% of the participants were diagnosed with dementia.
Regular internet use reduced the risk of dementia by about 50% compared to occasional use. This relationship was the same regardless of education level, race, gender and generation. Those who used the internet for at least 6-12 minutes a day had the lowest risk of dementia.
“Online interaction can help build and maintain cognitive reserve, which can offset brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia,” the study authors wrote.
The scientists also noted that excessive internet use may have negative side effects that should be investigated in future studies.