Forgetting where we left our keys or not remembering a name is something that happens to everyone, but when these lapses increase with age, doubts usually arise. Are we facing a simple lapse or a more serious problem? Thanks to scientific advances, we now know that keeping the mind active can help slow down that decline.
In this field, neurologist Richard Restak, former president of the American Neuropsychiatric Association, has stood out for his contributions on memory and how to protect it. Recently, he has focused on a simple habit that could make a difference: reading fiction novels. His latest book, The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind, gathers solid evidence that explains why this practice is more important than we think.
The common mistake that can weaken memory
Restak has observed that many older adults, when experiencing difficulties remembering details, stop reading complex stories. This may seem logical, but according to him, it's a mistake that can speed up memory decline. Fiction, far from being mere entertainment, is an exercise for the mind that stimulates a particular type of memory called "working" memory.
Working memory is what allows us to retain and process information while we perform a task. Reading a novel forces us to remember characters, plots, and events in order to follow the story, something that puts this mental capacity to the test. That's why Restak argues that keeping this habit is an effective training that strengthens the brain.
Reading fiction: The best ally to boost your memory
In addition, Restak himself points out that starting at age 30, memory begins to decrease naturally if we don't exercise it. Therefore, reading regularly is a way to slow down this decline. Moreover, it's a practice that doesn't require anything special or any financial expense, just a book and the desire to immerse yourself in a story.
The neurologist also warns that stopping reading out of fear of forgetting details can be a mistake. On the contrary, continuing to read, even if it's difficult at first, helps exercise the mind and improves the ability to remember and process information. That's why he recommends that returning to fiction is not only a pleasure, but also an effective way to take care of mental health.
Ultimately, the neurologist's recommendation invites us to see reading not only as leisure, but as a key exercise to keep the mind in shape. If you ever left a book unfinished, this might be the perfect time to open it again. Beyond enjoyment, you'll be doing your memory a huge favor.