Your loved ones may be experiencing cognitive decline if they frequently appear to struggle with performing simple tasks or if they are starting to forget things. Even worse, they can be dealing with dementia. However, some habits may reduce the risks of developing dementia. Read on to learn more about how reading can lower the risk of dementia in your loved ones.
Benefits of Reading
According to research, reading regularly may lower the risk of dementia.
Over 15,000 persons more than the age of 65 were under the observation of researchers at Hong Kong’s Elderly Health Centers for five years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had dementia.
Those who reported engaging in intellectual activities on a regular basis such as reading books, periodicals, and newspapers, as well as playing board games, had a significantly decreased risk of developing dementia. The advantage was shown to be unrelated to other health issues, lifestyle choices (such as eating vegetables and fruits, smoking, or exercising), demography, or socioeconomic status.
Studies on the advantages of brain-stimulating activities have indicated that reading improves memory. Lifetime readers were better protected during the course of the 6-year trial against Lewy bodies, amyloid load, and tangles, according to a 2013 study that was published in the journal Neurology. Comparing reading to other mental activities, there was a striking 30% delay in memory loss.
Reading After a Dementia Diagnosis
You may then wonder, what if my loved one already has dementia? Does reading help? The truth is, dementia sufferers can still read, although they may lose attention or get quickly tired. The effort required to maintain the story’s thread may force them to rapidly stop reading. However, reading regularly helps to prolong memory and language preservation.
Recommended Books to Encourage Reading
Have a loved one who just dislikes reading? Here are some recommended books that might help in encouraging your loved ones who have dementia to read often.
According to a 2016 research carried out at Essex Meadows Health Center in Essex, Connecticut, books with both pictures and associated text can generally help readers stay concentrated longer.
Research uncovered that interspersing clear, engaging photos mirroring the topic of the corresponding page was crucial in maintaining a reader’s concentration.
Large margins, the primary theme printed in bold, a photo, and 10-15 lines of text were the characteristics the researchers suggested as the perfect book style for dementia sufferers. The participants in the research read lengthier passages – thanks to this configuration’s reduced impact on their brains.
Although it may be challenging, beginning a reading routine for dementia patients clearly offers real advantages over the long run.
Reading is an excellent method to exercise your brain, unwind, and participate in activities that are beneficial for stress levels and brain health, putting you in a better position to decrease cognitive aging even while it would not stop dementia from advancing or completely reduce your chance of getting it. So, instead of merely focusing on exercise, diet, and mental health, why not pick up a book and start there?
