Reading and our Brains

Anyone who knows me knows I am an avid reader. I learned to read early and the joy of reading never left me. I started book clubs with my children and their friends, I have been in book clubs with my peers since my early twenties, and I even started a program with a local arts center to interview area authors. And I’m not alone! Any search on the various social media platforms can connect one to other readers. But how does this affect my work with the elderly? 

In every assessment of a potential client I ask about hobbies, and nothing is more satisfying than meeting another reader. My clients who read always ask me during visits what I am reading. They also make recommendations and often loan me books they want me to read. I have found my clients who are readers are often more engaged in conversation, have a better grasp on language, and have better recall than those who do not consider themselves readers. These observations led me to look into how reading affects our brains. 

There are several studies and articles available about the effects of reading on brain development. Here are five points that I found to be particularly interesting. 

1. Reading changes brain structure. In a six-month daily reading program from Carnegie Mellon, scientists found an increase in white matter in the language area of the brain. The positive outcome of this increase for the elderly is that it may delay the onset of dementia symptoms. 
2. Reading makes individuals more empathetic. Readers of fiction have been found to escape the emotional and mental burden of the real world and develop the ability to feel what characters in a story feel. This translates into readers having more empathy for people in real life. 
3. Audiobooks can help improve cognition. Being read to has long been touted as important for shaping the minds of young children. But some studies have found that listening to audiobooks can also improve cognition and processing in older adults. These improvements are achieved in several ways including providing mental stimulation, aiding in the improvement of memory and recall, reducing stress, and promoting continued learning and curiosity. 
4. Engaged reading strengthens memory. Some studies show that reading strengthens older adults’ memory skills, especially episodic memory, language comprehension, and long-term memory. Reading is like exercise for the brain, stimulating existing neurons and even accelerating the formation of new connections and neurons! 
5. ​While reading may be difficult for those already afflicted with dementia, reading aloud with a caregiver or group can have healing qualities. Hearing detailed descriptions may help listeners connect with memories from their pasts, as well as providing caregivers and families with a shared activity and a new way to connect with a loved one. 

These are only five summaries of how reading can have positive effects on the brain. So many studies and articles exist lauding the benefits of reading that I am even MORE convinced we should all be promoting reading with all ages of people. October is National Book Month! I can’t think of a better time to start or continue a hobby that keeps our brains in topnotch condition. Happy Reading! 

Just my two cents, 
​
Penny