[Article] Can I use "THE brain function"

[redgiant]

Senior citizens across the world love keeping their brains busy with crossword puzzles, sudoku or word jumbles. These brain-teasers actually help keep neurons firing clearly and quickly. Now a new study has a prescription for the Internet age. According to a paper to be released in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, surfing the web can improve brain function in older adults.

Can I use "the brain function" here? Is it wrong or Does it have different meaning?

[Anglika]

Since it is a general reference, you do not need the article.

[David L.]

it improves 'brain functioning'.

The functions of the brain develop from birth onwards, maturing at about 24. So it is not the actual functions that are improved, it is how well the brain is functioning. As the article says, actively using the brain and its functions keeps the established neural pathways firing, as opposed to some repetitive habitual pattern of daily living that is a 'no-brainer'.