Learning another language appears to slow brain ageing by up to 13 years
3 hours ago
- #brain health
- #multilingualism
- #ageing research
- Learning another language could slow brain ageing by up to 13 years.
- Speaking multiple languages is associated with younger-appearing brains, with more languages and earlier acquisition linked to greater benefits.
- Study of 728 people used AI and brain scans to measure connectivity, finding multilingualism delays age-related decline in memory and speed of thought.
- Higher proficiency and earlier second language learning enhance brain resilience, with effects seen as a gradient rather than a binary bilingual/non-bilingual divide.
- Researchers caution that lifestyle factors may also contribute, though findings support promoting language learning for brain health across life stages.