A neurologist has revealed a simple daily habit that could prevent cognitive decline – and it takes just six minutes.
Dr Clint Steele claims reading for six minutes per day could slash your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s and more.
The 56-year-old, who specialises in the brain and nervous system, helps people improve their quality of life by boosting brain function and preventing, or even reversing, diseases like dementia.
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In a TikTok video that has gone viral with more than 12,000 views, he points to long-term research suggesting improvements in “cognitive reserve” prevents, or lowers, risk of dementia and other associated diseases.
His advice is to improve your cognitive function by picking up a new skill like learning a new language, learning how to dance, or picking up a book for at least six minutes a day.
“Reading six minutes a day actually lowers your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and more,” Dr Steele told What’s The Jam.
“The reason for that is because reading helps build something called cognitive reserve, this is the ability for your brain to adapt.
“The reason adaptability is so important is because when you encounter stress, you want your brain to be able to adapt to that stress, respond accordingly and then when that stress is gone, your brain should be able to adapt to that stress leaving, and down regulate your brain.
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“One of the most important things you can do is read six minutes a day, according to the research – and that will help.”
Dr Steele, who practices in Maine and Florida in the US, has spent 34 years focusing on brain health and dementia prevention.
His TikTok clip has also garnered more than 500 likes and several comments.
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One person said: “Normally read at least 100 books a year, plus the Bible, dance classes, acrobatics, clogging for at least six years, at 84 still moving, just slower, my mom had Alzheimer’s, so I do know!”
Another wrote: “I still enjoy reading news every day.”
A third offered advice and added: “Another really good one is fine art – probably why so many older people take up painting.”
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