A brain health expert has claimed that reading for just six minutes a day could significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Dr Clint Steele, a specialist in the brain and nervous system, says the simple habit helps build 'cognitive reserve' – the brain’s ability to adapt to stress.
According to Dr Steele, long-term research indicates that improving cognitive reserve through activities like reading can prevent or lower the risk of cognitive decline. 'Reading six minutes a day actually lowers your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and more,' he said. 'The reason is that reading helps build cognitive reserve, the ability for your brain to adapt.'
The advice aligns with guidance from the NHS, which notes that rates of dementia are lower in people who remain mentally and socially active. The health service recommends reading, learning a foreign language, or taking up new hobbies as potential ways to reduce risk.
The National Institute on Aging also cites studies linking unstructured cognitive activities, such as reading, to a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. One study of nearly 2,000 adults aged 70 and older found that playing games, crafts, and social activities were associated with lower risks.
