Learning a new language to help prevent cognitive decline

Did you know that speaking more than one language can help improve cognitive health and may even help prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?[1].A team of psychologists led by Ellen Bialystok in York University in Toronto found that Alzheimer’s disease is delayed in bilingual people as compared to those who spoke only one language [2]. The brains of bilingual people get more exercise since they have to (a) sort through multiple options for every word and (b) prevent their two languages from interfering with one another.  This mental exercise is believed to provide protective benefits against cognitive diseases. 

A distinguished research professor and acclaimed expert on bilingualism and its effects on cognitive and linguistic processing throughout a lifespan, Bialystok say that being bilingual is linked to:

  1. “better cognitive performance than would be predicted by brain structure in older adults”
  2. “later evidence of symptoms of dementia compared to monolinguals”
  3. “greater pathology for comparable levels of dementia as found for monolinguals”, and
  4. “more rapid decline of cognitive function in more advanced stages of dementia” [1].

But even given these advantages, are some of us simply too old to learn a new language? We can learn from neuroscientists, who used to believe that the adult brain is inactive, and that no one is too old to learn something new [3].  Recent studies have shown the brain has an amazing capacity to change and learn, even as it ages. 

So which language can native English speakers most easily learn? Language experts point to popular Latin languages, particularly Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French, since these share many words with English [4].  

  • Helps you when you travel your travels
  • Improves cognition
  • Boosts your brain power
  • Expands your reading options
  • Gives new meaning to exotic cuisines
  • Builds cultural appreciation 
  • Encourages new experiences
  • Makes you a better listener
  • Keeps your brain young
  • Boosts your self-esteem
  • Grows your social circle
  • Broadens your taste for films and TV shows 

Second to consider is the American Sign Language (ASL). More than a mental exercise, ASL is good for older adults whose hearing may already be deteriorating. You can learn songs through ASL too! As a visual communication technique, it can also be studied in group sessions which can be a lot of fun. [5].

References:

  1. Anjum Nayyar, “Bilingualism can be a powerful tool in curbing dementia and a reason why foreign language learning should be supported, says York U expert.” March 23, 2021, Newsa@York, York University. Accessed October 15, 2022. https://news.yorku.ca/2021/03/23/bilingualism-can-be-a-powerful-tool-in-curbing-dementia-and-a-reason-why-foreign-language-learning-should-be-supported-says-york-u-expert/ 
  2. Clara Moskowitz, “Learning a Second Language Protects Against Alzheimer’s” February 19, 2011, Live Science. Accessed October 15, 2022. https://www.livescience.com/12917-learning-language-bilingual-protects-alzheimers.html 
  3. Luis F. Dominguez, “S​​panish for Seniors: 13 Extraordinary Benefits of Learning Language After Age 60.” January 4, 2022, Spanish Academy. Accessed October 15, 2022. https://www.spanish.academy/blog/spanish-for-seniors-13-extraordinary-benefits-of-learning-language-after-age-60/ 
  4. John Malathronas, “Which languages are easiest — and most difficult — for native English speakers to learn?” April 26, 2021, CNN Travel. Accessed October 15, 2022. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/learn-a-foreign-language-wellness/index.html
  5. Lauren Drell, “Seniors Stay Sharp with Sign Language.” April 27, 2010, Medill News Service. Accessed October 15, 2022. https://dc.medill.northwestern.edu/blog/2010/04/27/seniors-stay-sharp-with-sign-language/#sthash.JvTdbyGK.Qyd4Au18.dpbs