Neuroscience endorsement for Queen’s reading charity

The Queen’s Reading Room has partnered with the British Neuroscience Association to highlight the ways in which books can play a key role in brain health.

- ATHENA STAVROU

Camilla’s charity is striving to promote the scientifically proven links between reading and wellbeing, such as an almost 20 per cent reduction in stress and sharpened cognitive focus.

The charity will host a series of events at the British Neuroscience Association’s upcoming Festival of Neuroscience as part of the partnership to boost awareness of how reading can influence not only the way we feel, but also the way we think, speak and sleep.

One session will feature Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology Barbara Sahakian, who described reading as “exercise for the brain”.

“Reading is incredibly good for the brain,” she told The Independent, explaining that neural networks can be strengthened and improved by reading.

“It not only helps with your brain health, but your cognitive abilities also, because in reading, you’re working your memory as you can’t follow a plot if you’re not remembering things.