Research has revealed that speaking multiple languages may contribute to slower brain aging, offering a promising avenue for maintaining cognitive health in later life. A large-scale study involving over 86,000 healthy adults aged between 51 and 90 across 27 European countries has indicated that multilingualism is associated with significant cognitive benefits as people age.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Reading, utilized a machine-learning approach to analyze data, assessing various factors such as daily functioning, memory, education level, and health conditions. By comparing a person’s “predicted age,” derived from these factors, to their actual age, researchers identified a “biobehavioral age gap.” A negative gap indicates that an individual appears younger than their chronological age, while a positive gap suggests they appear older.
Multilingualism’s Protective Effects
Countries with high rates of multilingualism, such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Finland, and Malta, showed a lower likelihood of individuals exhibiting signs of accelerated aging. In contrast, monolingual speakers in nations like the UK, Hungary, and Romania were more prone to appearing biologically older than their actual age.
The analysis highlighted that even one additional language can make a significant difference, with multiple languages providing an even greater protective effect. This suggests a dose-dependent relationship, where each extra language contributes to a stronger cognitive shield against age-related decline. The findings were particularly pronounced among individuals in their late 70s and 80s, revealing that older multilingual adults possess a resilience that their monolingual counterparts lack.
While one might consider factors such as wealth, education, or political stability as potential influences on these results, the researchers adjusted for numerous national variables, including air quality and migration rates. Even after these adjustments, the protective benefits of multilingualism persisted, indicating that the experience of managing multiple languages plays a unique role in cognitive health.
Insights into Brain Function and Aging
Although the study did not directly investigate brain mechanisms, it aligns with existing research suggesting that the cognitive demands of juggling languages engage the brain’s executive control system. This system is responsible for key processes such as attention, inhibition, and task-switching. Managing multiple languages involves continuous mental exercise, which may help fortify cognitive functions over time.
Moreover, studies have indicated that individuals who speak two or more languages tend to have a larger hippocampal volume. The hippocampus is a critical region for memory formation, and a larger or more robust hippocampus is associated with improved memory and greater resistance to age-related decline or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
This extensive research stands out for its comprehensive perspective on aging by integrating biological, behavioral, and environmental data. It underscores a consistent pattern: multilingualism correlates closely with healthier aging. While it may not serve as an infallible safeguard, it appears to be an important aspect of daily life that helps the brain remain adaptable and resilient as it ages.
As the global population continues to age, understanding the impact of factors like multilingualism on cognitive health becomes increasingly vital. This study provides a compelling argument for the cognitive benefits of learning and using multiple languages, potentially paving the way for future research and public health initiatives focusing on language acquisition as a means to promote healthy aging.
Xinyu Liu, a PhD candidate in the study, along with Christos Pliatsikas, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Reading, emphasize the importance of these findings in the context of our aging society. Their research invites further exploration into how daily practices, such as language use, can significantly influence cognitive longevity.
