Introduction

Research conducted by Maria Cherdak, a specialist in neurology and geriatrics, has revealed that regular use of the Internet can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 50 percent.

Promoting Cognitive Reserve

Numerous studies have shown that Internet use not only reduces the risk of dementia but also helps to preserve cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve refers to the brain’s ability to maintain its functional activity and protect itself from decline.

Improved Cognitive Performance

In an interview with the newspaper Izvestia, Maria Cherdak explains that elderly individuals who use the Internet demonstrate better overall cognitive performance, verbal thinking, and memory compared to those who do not use the Internet. These benefits can help slow down the aging process of the brain and decrease the risk of dementia.

Maintaining Brain Activity

Cherdak emphasizes the importance of maintaining brain activity to prevent degenerative processes. When a person stops engaging in intellectual activities, the brain’s functional activity and metabolism decrease, leading to the gradual atrophy of nerve cells and loss of nerve connections. This can be associated with advanced age or certain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Addressing Cognitive Inactivity

Cherdak highlights that older adults who have recently retired and discontinued their practical activities are particularly at risk. Without the usual cognitive load and regular brain stimulation, certain areas of the brain stop working, leading to degenerative processes. Using a computer and the Internet can provide a cognitive load through tasks such as searching for information, thereby maintaining brain activity.

Limitations on Internet Use

Cherdak suggests that the time spent on the Internet by older adults should not exceed two hours to avoid negative impacts. Working on a computer and engaging in Internet activities involve cognitive load, but excessive use may have detrimental effects.

Source

Source: Newspaper “Izvestia”