Multilingualism slows aging and protects the brain: a recent study
A recent scientific study conducted at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and published in the prestigious journal *Nature Aging*, revealed that multilingualism plays a pivotal role in slowing the biological aging process and protecting the brain from cognitive decline. These findings enhance the scientific understanding of the relationship between mental activity and long-term nervous system health.
Multilingualism as a form of brain training
The study revealed that bilinguals, or people who speak more than one language regularly, possess superior mental fitness compared to their monolingual peers. Researchers indicated that the constant switching between languages acts as a form of "exercise" for the brain's attention and executive control mechanisms. This continuous mental activity enhances the efficiency of neural networks, providing additional protection against the natural decline that occurs with age.
The research team, led by Agustín Ibáñez, analyzed comprehensive health data from over 86,000 people across 27 European countries. The researchers relied on a precise measure known as "behavioral biological age," which assesses changes in physical, mental, and social functions compared to chronological age.
Knowledge reserve: a scientific and historical context
To understand the significance of these findings, they must be viewed within the context of the "cognitive reserve" theory. Historically, scientists have sought to identify the factors that make some brains more resistant to disease than others. Decades of research have demonstrated that stimulating activities for the brain, such as continuous education, playing musical instruments, and learning languages, contribute to building alternative neural networks that enable the brain to function efficiently even in the presence of age-related damage.
This study provides strong evidence that multilingualism is not just a social skill, but a healthy, long-term investment. The results showed that multilinguals scored lower on signs of accelerated aging, and this positive effect increased proportionally with the number of languages spoken, even after controlling for other influencing factors such as education level, income, and environmental air quality.
The importance of the results and their future impact
This study is of paramount importance on both health and social levels, especially given the increasing life expectancy worldwide and the rising incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In the absence of definitive drug treatments for these diseases, behavioral interventions and lifestyle changes emerge as the first line of defense.
While some experts have pointed out that learning a new language later in life (after retirement) may not offer the same level of protective benefit as those who have practiced languages throughout their lives, they have stressed that maintaining mental activity and using previously acquired languages remains vital.
The study concluded that speaking multiple languages is an effective, simple, and inexpensive preventative strategy to support brain health, confirming the scientific saying that the brain is like a muscle; the more it is used and challenged, the stronger and more resilient it becomes in the face of aging.
