Speaking more than one language could keep your brain younger, according to a new study. Research shows that learning and using multiple languages can slow down brain aging by up to 13 years.
The study was presented at a neuroscience conference in Barcelona. Researchers looked at the brain activity of people living in the Basque region, where many people speak Spanish, Basque, French, or English. They used a special scan to measure brain activity and used artificial intelligence (AI) to calculate the "neurological age" of the brains.
The results showed a clear difference based on how many languages people spoke:
- People who spoke two languages had brains that looked six years younger than those who spoke only one.
- People who spoke three languages had brains that looked seven years younger.
- People who spoke four languages had brains that looked about 13 years younger.
Dr. Lucia Amoruso, one of the scientists in the study, explained that it is not just about the number of languages. How well you speak the languages and how early you start learning them also make a big difference. The deeper and longer your language experience, the better it is for your brain.
As people grow older, the connections between nerve cells in the brain usually become weaker. This can lead to memory problems and slower thinking. The study suggests that multilingualism helps protect these connections.
However, some scientists advise caution. They say it is possible that people who speak multiple languages also lead healthier lives. Other activities, such as reading, playing musical instruments, and social interaction, could also help keep the brain healthy.
Even so, experts agree that learning a language has many benefits. Professor Christina Dalla, a neuroscientist, said that learning a new language is good for our brain health at any age, and schools should encourage language learning throughout life.