Imagine delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s by up to five years, simply by speaking a second language. This isn’t just a linguistic advantage—it’s a cognitive one.
Bilingualism has been linked to improved brain health, particularly in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This delay, often spanning up to five years, is attributed to a concept called cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve is the brain’s capacity to adapt and compensate for damage, much like a safety net that protects against cognitive decline.
The National Library of Medicine study shows bilingual individuals exhibit greater cognitive reserve. This protective effect stems from the mental gymnastics of switching between languages, which strengthens neural pathways and enhances executive functions such as memory, problem solving, and multitasking.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It’s the most common cause of dementia, gradually impairing a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. While treatments exist to manage symptoms, there is currently no cure, making prevention and delay strategies critical in combating its impact.
A study by Coulter and Phillips found people with Alzheimer’s disease who spoke more than one language had a higher amount of hippocampal volume than their monolingual peers.
Language switching activates the same areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s. By exercising these regions regularly, bilingual individuals build resilience against the disease.
Bilingualism alters the brain structure by increasing the density of grey matter in areas associated with memory and decision-making. These changes create a buffer against cognitive decline, providing an extra layer of defence as the brain ages.
Bilingualism also enhances the brain’s plasticity, or its ability to adapt to new challenges. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining cognitive health, as it allows the brain to reroute functions around damaged areas caused by disease.
The benefits of bilingualism are not limited to those who grew up speaking two languages. Even individuals who learn a second language later in life can experience cognitive advantages. While fluency is not required to reap the benefits, regular practice and usage of the second language is key.
For Queen’s students, the stress of exams, academic workloads, and adjusting to campus life can strain mental health. Learning a second language may provide unexpected benefits, not only enhancing cognitive abilities, but also offering a mental break from technical or theory-heavy courses.
Language learning aligns with the global nature of many fields of study and offers a competitive edge. Language learning in university, when cognitive flexibility is at its peak, can maximize these benefits. Queen’s offers a range of language programs and electives. These courses provide students with foundational skills in reading, writing, and conversational fluency, while introducing them to the cultural nuances of each language.
“I’ve found language classes at Queen’s to be a refreshing complement to my science and math courses. They require a different way of thinking, focusing less on memorizing equations and more on understanding how components work together to form sentences. At Queen’s, the immersive teaching style—with small class sizes, oral practice, and professor engagement—creates a ive and rewarding learning environment where professors know your name by the first class,” said John Bae, ArtSci ’27 in a statement to The Journal.
As Alzheimer’s rates continue to rise globally, remaining the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older, bilingualism offers a compelling avenue for delaying its effects. While it isn’t a cure, the protective effect of speaking multiple languages highlights the importance of cognitive engagement in brain health.
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