A memory device includes N word lines, wherein the word lines include an ith word line coupled to an ith memory cell and an (i+1)th word line coupled to an (i+1)th memory cell which is disposed adjacent to the ith memory cell and is a programmed memory cell, and i is an integer from 0 to (N−2). A method of operating such a memory device method includes a reading step. In the reading step, a read voltage is provided to the ith word line, a first pass voltage is provided to the (i+1)th word line, and a second pass voltage is provided to the others of the word lines, wherein the second pass voltage is lower than the first pass voltage.