How Multilingualism Slows Brain Aging

A recent study published in the journal Nature Aging shows that speaking multiple languages can slow down age related changes in the brain. An international team of scientists analyzed data from tens of thousands of Europeans over the age of fifty and found that multilingualism is associated with a younger cognitive age.

To determine how quickly the brain ages, researchers compared participants’ chronological age with their so called biobehavioral age, a composite indicator reflecting health status, level of education, presence of chronic diseases, and degree of functional activity. For people who spoke at least two languages, this indicator was lower than their actual age. Moreover, each additional language provided an extra positive effect.

The researchers explain this through the formation of cognitive reserve, a kind of protective buffer for the brain that develops through active mental engagement. The ability to switch between languages trains memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility, making the brain more resilient to neurodegenerative processes.

Although the study is based on self reported data and includes only European residents, its large scale and statistical robustness make the conclusions quite convincing. According to the authors, language learning should be seen not only as an educational tool but also as a way to support brain health throughout life.