Scientists link reading for pleasure to protection against dementia

Regular reading for pleasure may be associated with slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia in later life. Researchers at the University of Cambridge came to this conclusion by summarizing data from previous studies. The review was published in the journal Psychological Medicine (PM).

Research shows that the benefits of reading begin in childhood. An analysis of data from more than 10,000 young people showed that children who started reading for pleasure early were better able to cope with memory, attention and executive function tasks, were more successful in school and were less likely to experience mental health problems.

Positive effects were also found in adults. Reading has been linked to reduced stress, improved concentration, and greater empathy. In one study, just five minutes of reading fiction reduced stress levels by up to 20 percent.

The benefits may be especially noticeable in old age. In a study of nearly 5,500 people over 55, those who regularly engaged in brain-stimulating activities, including reading, were less likely to experience cognitive impairment over the next five years. Other work linked reading books, newspapers and magazines to a 33 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists suggest that reading continually engages memory, language, attention, and other cognitive functions. However, the authors emphasize that most of the existing research shows a connection, and does not prove that reading directly prevents dementia.