Reading And Memory
Reading for pleasure is a relaxing activity. Unfortunately, many of us don’t take the time to do it as much as we should. If you consider yourself as part of that category, you may want to reconsider and make reading a priority. Reading and memory research has shown that reading even 30 minutes daily can help to keep your brain active and increase memory retention. Let’s look at the benefits of reading daily for your brain health.
Reading And Working Memory
The structure of a good story is beneficial for your brain. Navigating the beginning, middle and ending of a book encourages your working memory to sequence the story and to see the patterns of cause and effect. All of this helps to increase your attention span by sparking neuroplasticity and creating additional neural pathways.
Reading And Memory Retention
Different types of reading cause your brain to react in different ways. Therefore, it’s a good idea to incorporate both scholarly and literary reading, along with more leisurely types of books in order to gain maximum benefit. More intense literary type reading causes the brain to work a bit harder by employing the use of various cognitive functions. Reading for fun sends blood flow to different parts of the brain. So mix it up a bit in your choice of prose.
Decreased Memory Decline
Exercises like reading can decrease your chances of experiencing cognitive decline. It’s never too late to get started, as studies have shown a decrease in the onset of mental decline in those who are mentally engaged compared to those who aren’t. Activities like reading are associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, too.
Changes in Brain Structure
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University performed a study that demonstrated a significant increase in white matter in the brain’s region for processing language among participants. This research took place over a period of six months. They went on to show actual alteration of brain structure in participants.
Lower Depression
Reading, specifically self-help books, has been shown to help keep depression at bay. Patients who read, in addition to receiving traditional treatments, showed a decrease in their depressive symptoms over the control group who did not engage in regular reading.
Reading a good book is beneficial in so many ways, especially if you’re hoping to maximize your brain health, boost your memory and staving off the onset of dementia-related illnesses. Start by finding a book that interests you and reading just a few minutes each day. Find a time that’s most convenient, along with a comfy location. Making the experience a ritual in this way will help you to maintain the habit and reap the maximum reading and memory rewards.
