Most of us have experienced the thrill of escaping into a good story. While reading can feel like a chore for some, it is a beloved pastime for many people! As an avid reader, what impact might reading have on the brain? Is reading non-fiction any more beneficial than reading fiction? Does the content or reading level matter regarding benefits to the brain? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more!
Does Reading Benefit the Brain?
Research shows that engaging in activities that stimulate the brain can be protective against neurodegeneration. Interestingly, around 33% of the brain is involved in interpreting and analyzing information visually - a lot of brain power is activated when reading! Researchers in one particular study examined the brains of almost 300 elderly patients who were deceased. The results showed that patients who engaged in higher levels of cognitive activity throughout their lifetimes showed fewer neurological signs of cognitive decline.
Reading is the perfect example of an activity that stimulates the brain and is cognitively challenging enough to be protective against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Reading keeps critical areas of the brain active. For example, the object cortex of the brain, located in the left hemisphere, is primarily used for comprehension and reading. The object cortex creates word banks by recognizing the shapes and physical characteristics of sentences, words, and letters. Pathways of the brain responsible for imagination, processing facts, and retaining facts are all involved with reading. Keeping these neural pathways active over a lifetime can also help prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of cognitive decline.
Research indicates that it doesn’t matter much what is being, just that individuals continue to read throughout their lives. Showing signs of difficulty reading can be a warning sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Experts recommend reading about 30 minutes a day for neuroprotective benefits. Everything from reading the newspaper to reading about historical events to scientific articles to your favorite mystery novel can all help you get your 30 minutes of reading in daily! Many people enjoy reading with a cup of coffee in the morning, while others find that reading with a steaming mug of tea helps them wind down for bed in the evenings.
Memory Care in San Diego, California
Many assisted living homes specialize in memory care and senior care. These communities are dedicated to caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients with safety and compassion. HarborView Senior Assisted Living in Banker’s Hill is one of those homes. The owners have personally had loved ones who needed memory care. They created an inviting, welcoming place where people living with Alzheimer’s could be cared for with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Not only is HarborView Senior Assisted Living full of gentle, well-trained, and loving staff members, it’s also situated in Banker’s Hill with a gorgeous view of the bay. Introducing your loved one to a home where they have full-time care, meals cooked for them, laundry done, and safeguards in place allows you to rest easy, knowing they are well cared for.
Get Scheduled for a Tour of HarborView Today
We'd love to hear from you. Contact us to schedule a tour today. The decision to move your loved one into an assisted living community is often emotional and difficult. Rest assured that HarborView offers the highest caliber of holistic care. We treat every member of our community as if they were our own loved one. We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you.
