Reading for pleasure boosts memory, empathy and mental health
Fewer people are reading for pleasure, but getting lost in a good book has repeatedly been linked to substantial cognitive benefits
In today's digital age, reading for pleasure is becoming less common. However, recent research suggests that this habit can have significant benefits for brain health. Reading regularly has been linked to improved memory, empathy, and mental health. This positive impact may be due to the way reading engages the brain, either by strengthening its structure or by building cognitive reserve, which helps the brain defend against aging and damage.
Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge led a study that pooled evidence from five surveys and eight long-term studies, involving tens of thousands of participants. The research found that reading for pleasure is associated with increased grey matter volume in parts of the brain responsible for thinking and memory. Additionally, reading has been linked to stronger communication between different brain regions, potentially contributing to the development of cognitive reserve.
The benefits of reading extend beyond memory and brain structure. Reading has also been associated with improved mental health outcomes, including reduced stress levels, increased empathy, enhanced well-being, and reduced feelings of loneliness. In children, early exposure to reading for pleasure has been linked to larger brain surface areas and volumes in regions related to emotional control. This is particularly important given the concerning trends in youth mental health today.
The positive effects of reading on cognitive function and mental well-being are evident in both children and older adults. In children, reading has been associated with better attention, memory, executive function, academic achievement, and fewer mental health problems. Among older adults, frequent reading is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.
To reap the benefits of reading, it is essential to choose books that are enjoyable and engaging. The key is to read for pleasure, as this will encourage more frequent and longer reading sessions. By incorporating reading into our daily lives, we can not only boost our brain health but also foster empathy, emotional control, and overall well-being.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
