Learning and using more than one language might help protect your brain as you get older.
According to Tanya Dash, an expert at the University of Alberta, bilingualism could help maintain cognitive abilities and may even delay the effects of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or stroke.
Dash, a speech-language pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, studies how language and thinking abilities interact in older adults and people recovering from stroke.
She explains that language is closely connected to important brain functions like attention, memory, and decision-making, which are essential for daily life.
When someone experiences a stroke or a condition like Alzheimer’s, the damage to the brain can make it harder to communicate or understand language.
Bilingualism and Brain Health
The good news for bilingual people is that speaking more than one language could offer some protection against these issues.
Studies have shown that bilingualism can delay the onset of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease by up to five years.
However, more research is needed to confirm if bilingualism can actually reduce the risk of developing dementia or slow down its progression once symptoms appear.
When it comes to stroke, some research suggests that bilingual people may experience less severe language problems, such as aphasia, and have a better chance of recovery compared to those who speak only one language.
Cognitive Aging and Bilingualism
As we age, our cognitive abilities naturally decline. This can affect memory, attention, and decision-making skills, making everyday tasks more challenging.
These changes often become noticeable around the age of 50 and more prominent by the age of 60.
However, bilingualism can help slow down these effects by building up what is known as “cognitive reserve.”
Just like exercising can keep your body healthy, mental activities like speaking multiple languages can keep your brain sharp.
Bilingual people regularly switch between languages, which strengthens the parts of the brain responsible for managing and controlling language. This helps delay cognitive decline and keeps the brain functioning more efficiently as we age.
Learning a Language Later in Life Still Helps
The benefits of bilingualism are not limited to those who grew up speaking multiple languages. Adults who learn a new language later in life can also experience cognitive improvements.
While the brain’s response may differ depending on when the second language is learned, the overall boost to brain health remains the same.
In short, whether you are already bilingual or thinking of learning a new language, it could help keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age.
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