From bedtime stories to book clubs: Reading protects your brain for life

Whether you're reading an English classic on paper or the latest romantasy novel on your e-reader, it seems that regardless of what or how we read, doing it for pleasure can bring huge health benefits.

A new review by researchers at Cambridge University Researchers found that across multiple studies, reading was associated with better attention and memory, fewer mental health problems and healthier lifestyles.

“Reading is a great way to support our brain health, develop important cognitive skills and boost our wellbeing,” said Barbara Sahakian, professor at Cambridge and the review’s corresponding author.

“It’s something we ought to be encouraging from an early age, given the increasing evidence of its benefits, particularly to children, but really, it’s never too late to start, and it can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age.”

Despite the growing evidence of reading benefits for young people, reading rates among children and pupils across Europe have seen a general decline

The latest PISA 2025 report — which evaluates 15-year-old students' school knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics, and science — shows a global decline in reading performance. The OECD researchers linked this wider deterioration to factors including reduced recreational reading and increased digital distraction.

In the UK, a recent report by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) found that among those aged 8–18, 36% said they enjoyed reading in their free time, a decrease from 58.6% in 2016.

“Given how beneficial reading for pleasure is at a young age, we should be doing everything we can to introduce children and young people to reading,” said Christelle Langley, co-author of the review.

She added that it is important to find something they will really enjoy reading about — it can be a TV programme or a game — and to use this as a “way in”.

“Reading comics and graphic novels could also be a helpful introduction as they might be seen as less intimidating, maybe less boring, than novels.”

Benefits for all ages

But the benefits don’t stop when children grow up. Researchers found multiple surveys suggesting a broad range of benefits for adults, including reduced stress and better relaxation and a more tolerant attitude towards different perspectives.

Reading is especially beneficial among older adults, the authors noted. Leisure activities that stimulate the brain are linked to slower cognitive decline and a reduced risk of dementia in this age group.

The benefits were even greater when individuals were part of reading groups or book clubs.

“They can help people feel less isolated and more connected to others, which has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia,” Sahakian said.

“While these clubs can be fun and beneficial at any age, they’re perfect for older people who may be not so mobile – they might not be able to go out as [to] an exercise group or a cycling group, but a reading group is something most people can enjoy.”

Potential for future interventions

As mental health conditions keep growing worldwide, researchers are increasingly focusing on lifestyle factors that can contribute to this rise and how to address them.

Reading falls into this category as an “accessible and low-cost protective factor across the lifespan,” the authors of the study said.

They noted that the precise brain mechanisms through which reading produces these positive effects are not yet fully understood and more research is needed.

However, the review points to reading interventions as a practical strategy for supporting brain health, cognitive development and wellbeing.

“Policies that promote early reading habits, through schools, libraries, book clubs and community initiatives, have the potential to help mitigate some of the adverse effects of poverty on brain development and learning trajectories, offering long-term academic and developmental benefits,” they wrote.