Speaking Two Languages Benefits the Aging Brain

Previous studies suggest a positive impact of speaking two languages (bilingualism) on cognition, including later onset of dementia. Thomas Bak from the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom), and colleagues analyzed data from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, comprised of 835 native speakers of English who were born and living in the area of Edinburgh, Scotland. The participants were given an intelligence test in 1947 at age 11 years and retested in their early 70s, between 2008 and 2010. Two hundred and sixty two participants reported to be able to communicate in at least one language other than English. Of those, 195 learned the second language before age 18, 65 thereafter. Findings indicate that those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities compared to what would be expected from their baseline. The strongest effects were seen in general intelligence and reading. The effects were present in those who acquired their second language early as well as late.  The study authors conclude that: “Our results suggest a positive effect of bilingualism on later-life cognition, including in those who acquired their second language in adulthood.”