University of Cambridge study links reading for pleasure to brain health

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have published a review in the journal ‘Psychological Medicine’ highlighting the significant health benefits of reading for pleasure. The study, led by Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr. Christelle Langley, suggests that engaging with books for enjoyment is linked to improved cognitive functions, better mental wellbeing, and a reduced risk of dementia.

Findings indicate that children and adolescents who read for pleasure demonstrate enhanced memory, concentration, and academic performance, alongside healthier lifestyle habits such as increased sleep and reduced screen time. In adults, reading is associated with lower stress levels, increased empathy, and reduced loneliness. The researchers noted that the format of reading—whether physical books or e-readers—is less critical than the act of engagement itself.

In collaboration with The Queen’s Reading Room, the researchers emphasized that it is never too late to start reading, as benefits can be realized throughout a person's life. However, they also noted a concerning global decline in recreational reading rates among young people, a trend linked by the OECD to increased digital distractions.