Reading, one of the most complex cognitive procedures, has a significant impact on the brain, influencing its structure, activity, and connectivity. It engages numerous brain regions and facilitates the enhancement of various brain functions.
Research into the neurological benefits of reading has demonstrated increases in brain activity, especially in areas associated with language comprehension and processing. Studies using functional MRI have observed activation across both hemispheres and involvement of the central sulcus, a key feature in the motor functions necessary for reading aloud.
In particular, the fusiform gyrus of the occipital and parietal hemispheres comprises the visual word form area (VWFA) of the brain. Visual reading ability in the brain is thought to be mediated by the VWFA. A study conducted in 2002 observed that the presentation of words orthographically elicits activation in this particular region of the brain. The participants were exposed to both word and non-word stimuli within the study.
The act of reading a good book not only boosts function but can also induce changes in brain structure over time. Prolonged reading habits correlate with increases in the volume of gray matter, particularly in regions dedicated to language recognition and processing.
Enhanced reading skills are associated with improved integrity of white matter pathways, indicative of more efficient information transfer. Make reading a habit it improves your memory and brain health.
Cognitive Enhancements Through Reading
Studies have shown that frequent engagement with text can lead to improvements in various aspects of cognition. Readers often practice retrieval of information, which strengthens neural pathways. Engaging with a variety of topics also supports memory formation and recall abilities.
Exposure to new ideas and vocabulary through reading can contribute to a higher intelligence quotient (IQ). Learning through contextual information helps in abstract thinking and problem-solving skills.
Cognitive Development
Children who start reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better on cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence, according to a study of over 10,000 young adolescents in the US.
In a 2023 study published in Psychological Medicine, researchers in the UK and China found that 12 hours a week was the optimal amount of reading, and that this was linked to improved brain structure, which may help explain the findings.
A little less than half (48%) of the 10,243 participants surveyed had limited or no experience with reading for leisure during their childhood. The remaining half of them had read for enjoyment for three to ten years.
A strong link was found by the research team between reading for fun as a child and better academic performance as a teenager. This was measured by cognitive tests that looked at verbal learning, memory, speech development, and overall academic success in the classroom.
These children also had better mental wellbeing, as assessed using a number of clinical scores and reports from parents and teachers, showing fewer signs of stress and depression, as well as improved attention and fewer behavioural problems such as aggression and rule-breaking. Children who began reading for pleasure earlier in adolescence spent less screen time – such as watching TV or using their smartphone or tablet – during the week and on weekends, as well as reported sleeping longer.
Upon examining brain scans from the cohort of adolescents, the researchers discovered that participants who developed an early interest in reading for pleasure exhibited brain volumes and areas that were moderately larger overall. This increase was particularly pronounced in brain regions that are integral to cognitive functions. Additional brain regions that exhibited variations within this cohort were those that have been previously associated with enhanced attention, mental health, and behavior.
The optimal amount of reading for pleasure as a young child was around 12 hours per week. Beyond this, there appeared to be no additional benefits. In fact, there was a gradual decrease in cognition, which the researchers say may be because it suggests they are spending more time sedentary and less time at other activities that could be cognitively enriching, including sports and social activities.
Psychological and Emotional Aspects
Reading not only enhances cognitive abilities but also plays a significant role in emotional intelligence (EQ) and psychological well-being. Engaging with literature often requires one to empathize with characters, which can strengthen the ability to understand and share the feelings of others in real-life situations.
- Empathy: As readers dive into different narratives, they are exposed to a variety of emotional experiences. This nurtures their ability to empathize, as they imagine themselves in another person’s situation.
- Theory of Mind: Literature provides an arena for readers to explore the intentions, motivations, and beliefs of characters, fostering the development of theory of mind, the capacity to attribute mental states to oneself and others.
- Imagination and Creativity: Regular reading sparks imagination by presenting scenarios that readers have never encountered, thus bolstering creativity.
Scientific research, as recounted in Michael Burke’s 2010 book “Literary reading, cognition and emotion: An exploration of the oceanic mind,” suggests that reading’s intricate cognitive engagement also elicits a complex emotional response, further contributing to better mental health and emotional regulation. As Burke points out, historically, printed texts were mostly intended to be read aloud, usually to others.
Language Skills Development
Reading plays a critical role in language skills development, encompassing literacy, phonological awareness, vocabulary growth, and language comprehension. The process of learning to read involves significant cognitive engagement, which stimulates and strengthens neural connections in the brain.
Literacy begins with the recognition of letters and their corresponding sounds, a foundational aspect of phonological awareness. This skill is essential for children as they decode words and sentences, which is a stepping stone to fluent reading. Research indicates that early reading experiences shape the brain’s ability for understanding and producing speech.
When it comes to vocabulary development, reading introduces individuals to a broader array of words than day-to-day conversations. Complex written language offers exposure to a diverse range of words and phrases, enriching a reader’s lexicon. This expanded vocabulary, in turn, enhances language comprehension and the ability to articulate thoughts more effectively.
Furthermore, the cognitive effort invested in speech production and understanding written language prompts mental agility. Constructing a reading brain, readers assimilate and fine-tune their language processing skills.
- Literacy: Basis for language development.
- Phonological Awareness: Critical for word recognition.
- Vocabulary: Enhanced through diverse reading materials.
- Language Comprehension: Strengthened by complex structures in reading.
- Speech Production: Influenced by the practice of articulating words found in texts.
Enhancing Academic and Professional Performance
Reading regularly has been linked to improvements in various cognitive functions like comprehension and vocabulary. These gains in turn facilitate enhanced reading comprehension, an essential skill in both academic and professional settings. For students, the absorption and understanding of complex materials are crucial. Similarly, professionals require strong comprehension skills to efficiently process and employ work-related texts.
A well-developed vocabulary is an asset in both spheres. In academics, it supports understanding and engaging with challenging texts. In the workplace, it contributes to effective communication, influencing everything from email clarity to presentation skills. Several studies suggest that through extensive reading, individuals can expand their vocabulary, which can indirectly boost their intelligence, opening opportunities for creative thinking and problem-solving.
To target these areas specifically, individuals can practice a variety of reading techniques:
- Active reading: engaging with the text by taking notes, summarizing sections, or discussing content with others.
- Diversified reading materials: exposing oneself to different genres and styles to encounter a broader range of words and ideas.
Impacts of Reading on Aging and Health
Reading has a multifaceted impact on mental health, particularly in the context of aging. Studies suggest that engaging in reading activities can be a significant factor in slowing cognitive decline. A systematic review by Julie Latchem and Janette Greenhalgh supports the idea that reading might enhance the well-being of individuals with neurological conditions.
The relationship between habitual reading and health is complex and beneficial. Regular reading is seen as a form of cognitive exercise, potentially increasing cognitive reserve. One 2019 study found that people who are illiterate, meaning they never learned to read or write, may have nearly three times greater risk of developing dementia than people who can read and write.
The study looked at people with low levels of education who lived in northern Manhattan. Many were born and raised in rural areas in the Dominican Republic where access to education was limited. The study involved 983 people with an average age of 77. Each person went to school for four years or less. Researchers asked each person, “Did you ever learn to read or write?” Researchers then divided people into two groups; 237 people were illiterate and 746 people were literate.
During the course of the study, participants underwent medical examinations and were administered cognitive and memory assessments at baseline and at follow-up appointments every 18 months to two years. The evaluation consisted of recalling unrelated words and generating the maximum number of words possible in response to a category, such as fruit or apparel.
At the onset of the investigation, 83 out of 237 illiterate individuals, or 35%, were found to have dementia, according to the researchers. 134 out of 746 literate individuals, or 18 percent, were affected by dementia. Upon controlling for age, socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular disease, individuals who lacked literacy skills exhibited an almost threefold increased risk of developing dementia at the onset of the research.
At follow-up, an average of four years later, dementia was observed in 48 percent (114 of 237) illiterate participants who were otherwise dementia-free at the onset of the study. Dementia was present in 201 out of 746 literate individuals, or 27 percent of the total. Researchers discovered, after adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular disease, that individuals lacking literacy skills had a twofold increased risk of developing dementia throughout the duration of the study.
Furthermore, reading can influence other aspects of health. For example, it can be a relaxing activity that may improve the quality of sleep by allowing the mind to unwind before bedtime. Additionally, it provides an alternative to physical exercise for those with mobility issues, serving as mental gymnastics that aid in sustaining mental agility.
References:
- Ansari, D. (2015). Mind, brain, and education: A discussion of practical, conceptual, and ethical issues. Handbook of neuroethics, 1703-1719.
- Bainbridge, Joyce, Malicky, Grace (2000). Constructing meaning: balancing elementary language arts. Toronto: Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-7747-3660-2
- Burke, M. (2010). Literary reading, cognition and emotion: An exploration of the oceanic mind (Vol. 1). Routledge.
- Cohen L, Lehéricy S, Chochon F, Lemer C, Rivaud S, Dehaene S (May 2002). Language-specific tuning of visual cortex? Functional properties of the Visual Word Form Area. Brain. 125 (5): 1054–1069. doi: 10.1093/brain/awf094
- Dehaene, Stanislas (2010). Reading in the brain. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-311805-3
- Hassed, Craig; Chambers, Richard (2014) Mindful Learning: Reduce Stress and Improve Brain Performance for Effective Learning. ReadHowYouWant ISBN:978-1459674523
- Latchem, Julie; Greenhalgh, Janette (2014) The role of reading on the health and well-being of people with neurological conditions: a systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 18:6, 731-744, DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.875125
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- Sandak, R., & Poldrack, R. A. (Eds.). (2018). The cognitive neuroscience of reading: A special issue of scientific studies of reading. Routledge
- Stine-Morrow, E. A. L., Hussey, E. K., & Ng, S. (2015). The Potential for Literacy to Shape Lifelong Cognitive Health. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 2(1), 92-100. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215600889
- Yun-Jun Sun, Barbara J. Sahakian, Christelle Langley, Anyi Yang, Yuchao Jiang, Jujiao Kang, Xingming Zhao, Chunhe Li, Wei Cheng, Jianfeng Feng. Early-initiated childhood reading for pleasure: associations with better cognitive performance, mental well-being and brain structure in young adolescence. Psychological Medicine, 2023; 1 DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723001381
Last Updated on April 5, 2024