Reading During Different Stages of Dementia
Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD
Dementia affects the ability to read; the severity of this depends on the stage and type of dementia. As the condition progresses, a person with dementia may be able to read but may have trouble with comprehension and remembering the details of what they've read.
There is some evidence that reading may help prevent or slow dementia. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to remain mentally active as you age by engaging in activities like reading, writing, and playing games.
This article goes over how reading may be affected in the different stages of dementia, the types of dementia that may affect reading, and whether reading can help slow or prevent the condition.
Reading in the Early Stages of Dementia
When you are in the early stages of Alzheimer's or related dementia, you can most likely continue to read without a problem.
You might occasionally experience some difficulty with remembering everything you've read, especially if the material is unfamiliar. You may also need to go back to re-read some information to improve your comprehension of what you're reading, but the skill of reading will most likely remain intact in the early stages of dementia.
Reading in the Middle Stages of Dementia
As Alzheimer's progresses into the middle stages of dementia, most people can still read, but typically this ability will decline over time. This can vary, with some people with mid-stage dementia being able to continue to enjoy reading, especially if it's been a life-long habit.
What often appears to decline is the ability to understand or remember what they're reading—that is, comprehension. This is related to the ability to understand what words mean and what a whole sentence is conveying. Additionally, when memory is impaired, it may be difficult to remember what it is that was read.
If the time comes when an academic journal just doesn't hold your interest anymore, you might still enjoy reading other simpler and more engaging books in the middle stages of dementia.
Reading in the Late Stages of Dementia
People in the late stages of Alzheimer's typically appear less interested in reading, although they may occasionally read a few words out loud. The ability to communicate verbally in the late stages usually declines significantly, so it's possible that the person could be reading more than he appears to be.
Some people in the middle-to-late stages of Alzheimer's seem to enjoy paging through a familiar magazine from when they were younger, or from their career. Others may enjoy listening to someone else read out loud, or looking through a book together.
Another comfort for some individuals with dementia is to have a few of their favorite books nearby. For people who love to read, even holding a favorite classic or religious book in their hands may bring comfort and peace.
Types of Dementia Affected
The ability to read is affected in the later stages of most types of dementia. Some types of frontotemporal dementia, such as semantic dementia and primary progressive aphasia, may see changes in the ability to read or comprehend earlier since they particularly affect language skills.
Research on Reading and Dementia
Studies have found a strong association between dementia and reading. A study from 2019 concluded that people who can't read are almost three times more likely to develop dementia than those who can. However, the study did not find an association between illiteracy and the speed of cognitive decline.
A 2019 study also found that a decline in the ability to read could be an early sign of dementia.
Does Reading Ward Off Dementia?
Studies have found that older people who engage in intellectual activities—including reading—are less likely to develop dementia. One large study that included more than 15,000 people found that active participation in activities like reading and playing board or card games could help delay or prevent dementia in older people.
The idea behind a higher level of mental activity being related to improved or maintained brain functioning is often referred to as cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve can be thought of in a similar way to your muscles. If you use them and push yourself, your muscles will be stronger and your body will function better.
Is There a Way to Slow the Progression to Continue Reading?
Several factors have been associated with the potential to slow down the progression of dementia for a limited time. These include:
An Early Diagnosis: Treatment with medication in the early stages of dementia has been somewhat effective in slowing the progression of the disease for some people. This can allow them to continue to enjoy activities like reading for a longer period of time.
Physical Exercise: Some studies have shown that physical exercise can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's and even improve memory and other cognitive functions for a brief time.
Bright Light Therapy: Some people in the early stages of Alzheimer's have benefited from bright light therapy and demonstrated improved cognition after this treatment.
Summary
People in the early stages of dementia may still be able to read well. As the condition progresses, it may become more difficult to comprehend and remember the things you've read. People in the later stages of dementia may lose interest in reading.
There is some evidence that reading and staying mentally active in other ways can help prevent or slow dementia. If you have dementia, talk to your healthcare provider about other things to slow its progression so you can continue reading as long as possible.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
