New research and a national campaign are renewing the case for encouraging people in Reading to read for pleasure, with scientists saying the pastime supports mental wellbeing, develops cognitive skills and could lower the risk of dementia later in life.
Evidence and public message
Researchers at the University of Cambridge, in partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room charity, have published a review in the journal Psychological Medicine arguing that the evidence for the wider benefits of leisure reading is strong and under-appreciated. The work follows a 2025 book from two of the researchers which highlighted the role of healthy habits for brain health.
The academics say that it matters less what people read and more that they read for enjoyment. Reading with others, whether in a book group or as a parent with a child, brings additional social and emotional perks.
“Reading is a great way to support our brain health, develop important cognitive skills and boost our wellbeing. It’s something we ought to be encouraging from an early age, given the increasing evidence of its benefits, particularly to children, but really, it’s never too late to start, and it can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age.”
The quotation above was provided by Professor Barbara Sahakian of Cambridge’s Department of Psychiatry, one of the authors of the review.
What the research found
The review brings together studies showing links between reading for pleasure and a range of positive outcomes. These include:
- better mental health and increased wellbeing;
- greater empathy and social understanding;
- a possible lower risk of dementia in later life;
- improvements in attention, memory and other cognitive skills.
Authors stress that reading can benefit people of all ages. However, they also point to worrying trends: surveys show reading among children and adolescents is at its lowest level since records began, with adolescent boys and children from disadvantaged backgrounds particularly affected.
Local implications for Reading
The findings have immediate local relevance. Reading’s schools, public libraries and voluntary groups could use the review to support existing literacy and wellbeing initiatives, or to argue for increased resources.
For families, the message is clear: shared reading is not merely an educational tool but a health-promoting activity. For older residents and those involved in dementia prevention and care, the research offers another non-pharmaceutical approach to maintaining cognitive function.
Community organisations may also find the evidence timely as they plan activities for the National Year of Reading and other local literacy campaigns.
Practical takeaways
Researchers and campaigners say the benefits of reading are widely accessible and can be encouraged in simple ways. Practical steps include:
- encouraging daily reading habits at home;
- promoting shared reading activities in schools and libraries;
- supporting book groups and community reading projects that foster social connection.
| Group | Potential benefit |
|---|---|
| Children | Improved attention, vocabulary and long-term cognitive gains |
| Adults | Better wellbeing and social connection |
| Older people | Possible reduced dementia risk |
While the review highlights encouraging results, authors note gaps in the research and call for more studies to understand which reading formats, frequencies and social contexts deliver the greatest benefit.
For Reading residents, the takeaway is straightforward: whether it’s a novel, comic, magazine or audiobook, making time for enjoyment of written stories can be a small but meaningful way to support health and community life.
