Between social media and online articles, it may have been a while since you picked up a book. However, if you’re proud to call yourself a bookworm, you might be on to something, as research suggests that reading could stave off dementia.
Just an hour before the doctor called it a day, he decided to pick up a book.
Speaking on his Just One Thing podcast, he said: “Taking time out of your day to read a novel can have impressive benefits, improving brain connectivity, creating new neural pathways and even protecting against dementia.”
If you already enjoy getting lost in the pages of good fiction, great.
However, if reading isn’t your thing, research might convince you to give it a try.
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Dr Mosley said: “Best of all, it can protect against cognitive decline as we age.
“Studies from China, Taiwan and the US have found that reading every day can be protective against dementia.
“And if all of that isn’t enough to convince you to pick up a novel, go ahead, reading has not only helped you stay mentally fit as you age, it might even be the key to a longer life.”
In fact, reading has been linked to a whole range of benefits, ranging from mental health to empathy.
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Dr Mar said: “This is leisure reading. You are doing this to relax.
“You don’t want to feel like you’re forcing yourself to do something as some sort of chore.”
If reading isn’t something you’re already doing, Dr. Mosley encouraged you to include reading in the next chapter of your life.
“Your brain, your empathy, and even your mental health could benefit,” Dr. Mosley concluded.