The unexpected benefit of reading for pleasure has been revealed

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have found that reading for pleasure improves brain function and reduces the risk of developing dementia. In a review published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the researchers demonstrated that books help people of all ages cope with stress and develop cognitive skills.

Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr. Christelle Langley from the Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the charity The Queen's Reading Room, analyzed the impact of reading on health. It turned out that just five minutes of immersion in fiction reduces stress levels by 20%. People turn to books for comfort more often (35% of respondents) than to wine (31%) or a hot bath (10%). As Dr. Langley notes, it is important to find a format that appeals to the individual: graphic novels can serve as a less intimidating introduction to the world of literature for children than lengthy classic texts. In adults, reading also improves empathy and increases tolerance toward others' opinions.

The habit brings the greatest benefits when instilled in childhood. A study of data from more than 10,000 young people showed that children who began reading for pleasure demonstrate better memory, academic performance, and are less likely to suffer from mental health disorders. In adulthood, reading helps maintain mental sharpness. Studies of nearly 5,500 people over the age of 55 confirmed that regular immersion in texts reduces the risk of cognitive impairment. Additionally, reading newspapers and books reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 33%.

Scientists explain this effect by physical changes in the brain. Brain scans showed that avid readers have increased gray matter volume in areas responsible for language, learning, and emotions, as well as strengthened white matter connections. Social reading, such as in book clubs, provides additional benefits by helping elderly people combat loneliness and reducing the risk of developing senile dementia. For those with limited mobility, such gatherings become an accessible way to socialize.

The Queen's Reading Room, which the Queen of the United Kingdom founded in 2021 during lockdown, today unites 12 million people across 184 countries. The project first appeared on social media as a way to share book recommendations during the period of isolation. Today, the organization uses shared reading as a therapeutic tool in shelters for the homeless and victims of domestic violence, proving that books have the power to change lives and restore mental health.