Reading Can Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Reading is a mentally stimulating activity that creates neurological connections within the brain (Watkins, 2012 ). It is a highly beneficial activity for brain health (Siemasko, 2014). The majority of people learn to read at a young age. We are taught how to read in school and we begin with the basics; learning the alphabet. We start by memorizing the letters and the sounds each letter makes. Beginners start by decoding one-syllable words and work our way up to words with multiple syllables (Kelly, 2017). Since reading activates multiple parts of the brain, and creates new connections between neurons; then a person who has Alzheimer’s disease could use reading as a tool to slow the progression of their disease. While plaques and tangles block and destroy connections, reading creates new connections. This could counter the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and bring back cognitive ability that was once threatened.