New research suggests that regularly reading newspapers and books may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as five years, according to a report published Friday by De Telegraaf.
The study indicates that maintaining an active brain through activities like reading and continuous learning can significantly impact the progression of the disease. While the specific mechanisms behind this protective effect are still being investigated, researchers believe that consistent mental stimulation builds cognitive reserve, bolstering the brain’s resilience against the pathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
The findings come as pharmaceutical companies continue to pursue new treatments for Alzheimer’s. Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer, is currently testing a new drug, Trontinemab, in clinical trials, offering a potential new avenue for combating the disease, as reported in July 2025 by De Telegraaf.
Recent research has as well highlighted a disparity in Alzheimer’s risk between men and women, with women appearing to be more susceptible. A March 2025 article in De Telegraaf explored the reasons behind this difference, though the specific causes remain under investigation.
The new study on the benefits of reading has been widely shared on social media, with one post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the research as “reading as medicine.”
