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General · 15 September 2026

Reading for pleasure improves mental health, lowers dementia risk

Reading for pleasure improves mental health, lowers dementia risk

Unsplash / Joel Muniz

Scientists at the University of Cambridge found that reading improves mental wellbeing, academic results, and empathy. Their review, published in Psychological Medicine, also suggests it reduces the risk of dementia and slows cognitive decline. The Queen's Reading Room charity partnered with the academics to promote the benefits of literature.

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

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