Does learning a new language really help keep dementia at bay?

Studies suggest that being bilingual can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by up to five years, according to a 2023 study published in the 'Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.' This benefit motivates many to learn a new language later in life.

"We use language in all aspects of daily life, so a bilingual brain is constantly working,” Mark Antoniou, an associate professor at Western Sydney University in Australia, told the New York Times. This continuous exercise may contribute to better brain health.

Learning and using a new language involves cognitive inhibition, where the brain suppresses the dominant language. This process strengthens executive functions and potentially builds resilience against diseases like dementia, according to the New York Times.

This idea gained traction when a team of Toronto researchers published a landmark paper in 'Neuropsychologia' in 2007, showing that bilingual people exhibited dementia symptoms four years later than monolinguals. The final sample included 184 people diagnosed with dementia, 51% of whom spoke more than one language.

Bilingualism is one thing, but many older adults have decided to start studying a second language to keep their brains healthy and ward off dementia. But is it really effective? The evidence is weaker, but here is what studies have revealed so far...

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A 2019 study published in the 'Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research' conducted a clinical trial on Chinese people 60 or older. They were sorted into three groups assigned to focus on one task—foreign language learning, music appreciation, or puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku.

In that study, the first clinical trial of language learning, researchers found that adults in both the foreign language and puzzles groups performed better on cognitive tests immediately after the training and three months out. The music appreciation group did not.

A study of 26 older adults took part in an Italian study that looked at the effects of a four-month beginner English-language learning program, including 16 two-hour sessions on the brain. The results were positive, with research finding that the intervention improved global cognitive performance and reorganized functional connectivity.

However, the New York Times points out that two more recent studies looking into whether late-life language learning helped improve cognitive function found that it had virtually no effect.

The researchers who conducted the study told the New York Times that the effects might not have been seen because the volunteers were highly motivated and already at peak performance. Another possibility is that the courses were too short.

Photo: Armin Lotfi/Unsplash

While the science is in its infancy, Dr. Antoniou said it’s not surprising that the results for language learning aren’t “the same as having used two languages for your entire life.” One theory about the power of bilingualism is its constant use throughout the day, whereas many language learners are just practicing in the classroom.

Dr. Antoniou added that he believes in the benefits of learning a new language later in life because it is intellectually stimulating.

Language skills can also enrich or spur travel experiences and facilitate personal connections, such as maintaining friendships and pen pal relationships across the globe. Studies have found that active travel could also prevent or lessen the symptoms of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is a lot of evidence that lifestyle choices can affect the risk of developing dementia. Although there is no single behavior guaranteed to prevent it, here are some of their top suggestions.

The Alzheimer’s Society says regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. Both aerobic activity and strength-building are recommended. Other healthy habits like drinking less alcohol, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet are also important.

Depression affects at least one in five people in the UK, and those who have had periods of depression in their life also have a higher risk of developing dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Social isolation is another major risk factor. Engaging in social activities (like a language learning class!) can build your brain’s ability to relieve stress and improve your mood.

Other top recommendations include managing health conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, which can increase the risk of dementia. It’s also important to manage hearing loss and protect your ears. Avoiding head injuries and reducing exposure to air pollution can also reduce your risk.

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