Reading for pleasure is associated with better mental health, greater empathy and a lower risk of dementia, according to scientists at the University of Cambridge.

The findings were highlighted as part of a National Year of Reading tie-up with the Queen's Reading Room, a charity founded by Queen Camilla to promote the benefits of reading for pleasure at any age. Researchers said the type or format of reading is less important than engaging with material that people enjoy.

In a review published in Psychological Medicine, Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr Christelle Langley said reading for enjoyment can offer significant benefits, while reading with others, including through book clubs or parents reading with children, may provide additional advantages.

"Reading is a great way to support our brain health, develop important cognitive skills and boost our wellbeing. It's something we ought to be encouraging from an early age, given the increasing evidence of its benefits, particularly to children, but really, it's never too late to start, and it can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age," said Sahakian.

Researchers cited a study involving more than 10,000 young people by Sahakian, Langley and their colleagues. It found that children who started reading for pleasure showed better attention, memory and executive functioning, along with greater academic achievement and fewer mental health problems.

They also reported healthier lifestyle patterns, including more sleep and less screen time.

Langley said, "Given how beneficial reading for pleasure is at a young age, we should be doing everything we can to introduce children and young people to reading.

"The important thing is to find something they really enjoy – it might be a TV programme or a game – and use this as a way in. Reading comics and graphic novels could also be a helpful introduction as they might be seen as less intimidating, maybe less boring, than novels."

The experts' review, titled Reading and associations with brain health, cognition, well-being, and mental health, draws on surveys and objective research, including longitudinal, neuroimaging and behavioural studies.

The evidence points to an association between reading engagement and better brain and mental health, stronger cognitive performance and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Shared reading groups and book clubs may offer further benefits by encouraging social interaction, researchers said.

"Shared reading groups and book clubs appear to provide additional benefits through social interaction. They can help people feel less isolated and more connected to others, which has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia," said Sahakian.

"While these clubs can be fun and beneficial at any age, they're perfect for older people who may be not so mobile – they might not be able to go out as an exercise group or a cycling group, but a reading group is something most people can enjoy," she added.