Reading for pleasure is associated with better mental well-being, greater empathy, and a lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. This was the conclusion reached by researchers at the University of Cambridge, who reviewed scientific evidence on the effects of reading on human health.
In the study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the researchers emphasize that virtually any type of reading can be beneficial — from classic literature to comics and graphic novels. At the same time, shared reading, for example in a book club or with a child, may provide additional benefits through social interaction.
The effect is particularly noticeable in children and adolescents. A study involving more than 10,000 young people found that those who began reading for pleasure at an early age, on average, demonstrated better attention, memory, and executive function, as well as higher academic performance. They also had fewer mental health problems, more sleep, and less screen time.
The researchers note that reading is associated not only with the development of language skills. It may also contribute to better performance in mathematics, as reading and solving mathematical problems engage some of the same cognitive processes, including memory and executive function.
For adults, reading has also been associated with improved well-being, reduced stress, and more effective relaxation. In addition, studies indicate a link between reading and a greater ability to understand other people’s feelings and perspectives.
The potential benefits may be particularly important in older age. Various intellectually stimulating activities, including reading, are associated with slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia. In one study involving nearly 5,500 people over the age of 55, regular participation in such activities was associated with a lower likelihood of developing cognitive impairment over a five-year period. Another study linked reading newspapers, magazines, and books to a 33% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers also found evidence that reading may be associated with changes in brain structure. Neuroimaging studies have identified differences in brain regions involved in language processing, learning, emotional regulation, and executive control, as well as more developed white matter connections associated with language processing.
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