Children, adults, seniors: the potential benefits appear at all ages. Without making the book a miracle cure, researchers see it as a simple habit that could help preserve brain health.
There are those who read a few pages before going to bed, those who carry a novel everywhere and those who have rediscovered, after years, the pleasure of letting themselves be absorbed by a story.
This moment seems innocuous. However, a review published on September 15, 2026 in Psychological Medicine suggests it may have far more importance for the brain and well-being than previously imagined.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge examined the available data on the reading for pleasurechosen freely and not imposed by school or work. Their conclusion: this activity is associated with better indicators of cognition, mental health and well-being, as well as a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia with age.
From childhood, reading seems to work much more than words
One of the most interesting results concerns children.
The researchers rely in particular on a study relating to
10,243 children and adolescents. Those who had started reading regularly for pleasure between the ages of 3 and 10 showed better performance in attention, memory and executive functions, these abilities which notably make it possible to plan, concentrate and control one’s behavior.
They also performed better academically and had fewer mental health problems. Their lifestyle was different, with more sleep and less screen time.
These results take on particular resonance as voluntary reading declines among children and adolescents, particularly among boys.
For Christelle Langley, researcher at the department of psychiatry at Cambridge, we must above all avoid turning reading into an additional constraint. The most important thing is to find a way in.
“The important thing is to find something they would really enjoy reading – it could be a TV show or a game – and use that as a gateway. Reading comics and graphic novels can also be a useful introduction, as they may be seen as less intimidating, perhaps less boring, than novels.”.
Reading does not only seem to promote language-related learning. Researchers also highlight its association with mathematics performance, with certain cognitive abilities — memory, language and executive functions — being common to both activities.
For adults, the book also offers a break from stress
Then comes the age where the days sometimes leave little room for rest. According to the data reviewed by the researchers,
38% of adults cite reading as one of their favorite ways to relax. A neuroscience study commissioned in 2024 by The Queen’s Reading Room reported that a short period of reading fiction could reduce stress by up to 20%, while improving concentration and problem-solving skills.
Reading is also associated with more empathy, better understanding of others, and greater tolerance for different points of view.
But researchers remain cautious: the majority of studies show associationsand not a cause and effect relationship. People who read more may also adopt other health-promoting habits.
Reading therefore does not constitute a treatment for stress or psychological disorders. On the other hand, it could be part of a lifestyle favorable to well-being.
What if this habit also helped the brain age better?
This is probably the most intriguing question. Researchers are particularly interested in “cognitive reserve”, this ability of the brain to continue to function effectively despite changes linked to aging.
A study focusing on nearly 5,500 adults aged 55 and over observed that people who regularly engaged in intellectually stimulating activities, including reading, were less likely to show cognitive decline over a five-year follow-up. Another study linked reading newspapers, magazines and books to
33% reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This figure must, however, be interpreted with caution: it is an association observed in a study, and not proof that a book mechanically reduces the individual risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Neuroimaging work nevertheless provides an interesting avenue. Readers show differences in several brain regions involved in language, learning, emotional regulation and executive functions. Some research also suggests better organization of white matter connections involved in language processing.
A small study carried out among 11 dyslexic children aged 7 to 11 even observed that after eight weeks of reading training, skill improvement was accompanied by changes in gray matter volume in certain brain regions.
Results that are still preliminary, but which reinforce the idea that the brain remains plastic and can change with learning.
Read alone, but above all don’t stay alone
A book can be a lonely experience. But it can also become a pretext for creating a bond: a parent who reads with their child, two relatives who discuss a novel or a reading club which meets every week.
According to Barbara Sahakian, reading groups could provide additional benefit thanks to this social dimension.
“Shared reading groups and book clubs appear to provide additional benefits through social interactions. They can help people feel less isolated and more connected to others, which has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia.”.
This dimension can be particularly important among older people, for whom certain social or sporting activities become more difficult.
“While these clubs can be fun and beneficial at any age, they are perfect for older people who may be less mobile – they may not be able to participate in an exercise or cycling group, but a reading group is something most people can benefit from.”.
Reading will obviously not replace physical activity, sleep, social relationships, or medical care. And there is nothing to confirm today that it alone would prevent a neurodegenerative disease. But this Cambridge review brings home a valuable idea: an activity chosen simply because we enjoy it can also contribute to a life favorable to brain health. And sometimes, all it takes is a few pages to get started…