ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH UK: The impact of bilingualism on brain reserve and metabolic connectivity in Alzheimer’s dementia.

Research is showing you’re never too old to start, and there are many benefits of learning a foreign language at an older age.

Mastering a new language is like sending your brain to the gym. Your brain needs exercise and the process of learning a foreign language, or even just a new word every day, can structurally and functionally alter the brain. It actually develops new neural pathways, makes new connections, and adds flexibility.

Here’s some motivation to expand your language skills. Scientists have found that people who can speak more than one language tend to develop dementia up to five years later than monolingual people.

While the science is uncertain on exactly why this phenomenon occurs, speaking more than one language is thought to lead to better development of the areas of the brain that handle executive functions and attention tasks, which may help protect from the onset of dementia.

Learning and practicing a second language in a social setting creates great opportunities for fellowship. Sharing the same goal of learning a foreign language creates a base for all sorts of social activities, as well introducing you to a new culture and cuisine. Why not start today?