Neuroscientist Professor Grégoire Borst of Université Paris Descartes has warned that the human brain needs the habit of reading books, not smartphones. Just 10 minutes of reading daily improves memory, attention, and mental flexibility. Both fiction and non-fiction books activate the brain and strengthen its cognitive abilities.
Brain Health: Neuroscientist Professor Grégoire Borst of Université Paris Descartes warned in October that the human brain needs to read books more than it needs smartphones. He stated that just 10 minutes of daily reading strengthens memory, attention, and mental flexibility. This advice is crucial for both children and adults, as reading creates new neural pathways in the brain and helps protect against age-related mental decline.
Books Create New Pathways in the Brain
According to Professor Borst, when we read a book, new neural pathways are formed in the brain, which strengthen our capacity for thought and comprehension. Fiction books, in particular, help us understand the emotions and perspectives of others. This is known as the Theory of Mind in psychology.
Conversely, non-fiction books enhance logical thinking and analytical skills. This means whether you read novels or biographies, both forms of reading keep the brain active and can change your way of thinking.
Why Reading is Better Than Screens
According to science, reading books is not just about gathering information but is a profound mental experience. When we read a story, the brain creates images of characters, events, and places through imagination. This very process strengthens empathy, emotional control, and sensitivity.
In contrast, reading on mobile devices or screens does not activate the brain with the same depth. According to Borst, holding a physical book creates a mental map in the brain—for example, remembering the thickness of the pages, the position of the text, and page numbers. This experience is completely lost on a screen.
Dementia Prevention and Memory Improvement
According to research, reading is not just a source of entertainment; it can also reduce the risk of dementia and age-related mental decline. When we read, the brain practices connecting beginnings and ends, which strengthens working memory, or short-term memory.
Borst states that this habit is essential for both children and adults. Listening to stories helps children with language and pattern recognition, while for adults, just 10 minutes of daily reading is sufficient to maintain mental fitness.
Neuroscientist Grégoire Borst's clear message is that if you want to keep your brain active, creative, and healthy for a long time, embrace the habit of reading books again. It is far more beneficial than spending time on screens.
