New research from MIT suggests that reading complex sentences could help prevent dementia. Researchers delved into the fascinating realm of sentence complexity and its profound impact on the brain's response. Using AI, researchers examined how the brain processes sentences of varying complexity. They found that intricate sentences trigger a significantly stronger response, indicating greater cognitive stimulation. This finding suggests that engaging with linguistically intricate content may serve as a robust mental exercise, potentially influencing cognitive health.
The concept of "surprisal" played a pivotal role in the study's findings. “If things get difficult, or surprising, if there’s an unusual construction or an unusual set of words that you’re maybe not very familiar with, then the network has to work harder,” says Evelina Fedorenko, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at MIT and senior author of the study. Researchers led by MIT graduate student Greta Tuckute used a computational technique to quantify each sentence’s “surprisal,” or how uncommon it is compared to other sentences.
Sentences with higher surprisal, indicating a level of unpredictability or complexity, generated more robust brain responses. “We found that the sentences that elicit the highest brain response have a weird grammatical thing and/or a weird meaning,” Fedorenko says. “There’s something slightly unusual about these sentences.” Below is an explainer video from MIT Computational Psycholinguistics Lab about “Surprisal as a measure of linguistic expectation”.
This underscores the idea that exposing the brain to challenging linguistic structures can enhance its responsiveness and, by extension, contribute to overall cognitive well-being.
One of the most compelling implications of this research lies in its potential to combat conditions like dementia. The study suggests that participating in mentally complex tasks, such as reading unfamiliar or intricate sentences, could serve as a protective measure against cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This insight opens up new avenues for developing preventative strategies to stave off neurodegenerative conditions, offering hope for a healthier aging process.
Further reinforcing the importance of mental engagement, a separate study focused on participants between the ages of 40 and 69 revealed intriguing results. Over the course of seven years, individuals who took education classes exhibited a remarkable 19% lower risk of developing dementia. Additionally, a study from University College London found that women who read the newspaper regularly have a 35 percent lower risk than the rest of the population. These compelling correlations underscore the idea that ongoing intellectual pursuits, such as educational courses, art, reading and music can significantly impact cognitive resilience and long-term brain health.
As we navigate an era where our understanding of the brain continues to evolve, these findings hold particular relevance. Incorporating mentally stimulating activities into our daily lives may not only enrich our intellectual experiences but also serve as a proactive measure against cognitive decline. For organizations like CareYaya, dedicated to healthcare and well-being, these revelations carry immense significance. Encouraging older individuals to embrace linguistic challenges, pursue educational opportunities, and engage in mentally complex tasks can be a cornerstone of the holistic approach to health and wellness.
In summary, complex sentences challenge the brain, and could help thwart dementia. Seeking intellectual challenges is key for resilience. Healthcare and community organizations should promote cognitive stimulation for lifelong cognitive vitality.
Jennifer Kim, Harvard University, CareYaya