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Study: bilingualism linked to younger brain age

scienceJul 6, 202614379

A team presenting at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies conference in Barcelona reported that speaking more than one language is associated with younger-appearing brains. Using magnetoencephalography and an AI model of normal brain connectivity, researchers from Spain, Chile, Argentina and Dublin scanned 728 people and validated findings in a second group of 144 participants living in the Basque region. Those who spoke two languages had brains that appeared about six years younger than monolinguals, three-language speakers about seven years younger, and four-language speakers about 13 years younger. Higher proficiency and earlier acquisition of additional languages strengthened the association, the authors said. The team adjusted for age, sex and education but warned that other factors such as lifestyle or social engagement could still influence results. Prof Christina Dalla said the findings support promoting language learning at school and across the lifespan, while Eef Hogervorst urged caution about overinterpreting the results.

Margot Finn
@eicathomefinn.bsky.social

'People who speak more than one language seem to have younger brains and the more languages you speak and the earlier you speak them, the better, according to findings from a study being presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies conference in Barcelona.' 1/2

26745d ago
Margaret Morgan 🇪🇺🇳🇱🇦🇺
@margaretmorgan.bsky.social

This is wonderful... 2 languages = brains appear 6 years younger 3 languages = 7 years 4 languages = 13 years Plus the the many cultural & psychological benefits! I might start studying a 4th soon. Maybe... Irish? www.theguardian.com/education/20...

8445d ago
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