Knowing two languages is good for the brain

New research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that people who speak two or more languages, even those who acquired a second language in adulthood, can slow cognitive decline from aging.

Dr Thomas Buck said: Our study is the first to examine the impact of second language on cognitive function later in life.

The researchers relied on data from people born in 1936, a total of 835 native English speakers who were born and lived in Scotland.

Participants took an intelligence test in 1947 at the age of 11 and were retested at the age of 70, between 2008 and 2010.

Two hundred and sixty-two participants reported being able to communicate in at least one language other than English. Of these, 195 learned a second language before age 18, 65 after that age.

The findings suggest that those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities than would be expected from their baseline level.

The strongest effects were seen in general intelligence and reading. The consequences were present in those who acquired their second language early and those who learned it in adulthood.

Buck said: "These results have great practical implications. Millions of people around the world acquire a second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when it was not acquired in childhood, may have benefits for brain aging.”





Source: nauka24news.ru/