home
RSS
2 languages make your brain buff
February 18th, 2011
01:44 PM ET

2 languages make your brain buff

If you had any doubts about exposing your child - or yourself - to a foreign language, there's more evidence than ever that being bilingual has enormous benefits for your brain.

Scientists presented their research supporting this idea Friday at the American Association for the Advancement of Science  annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

As the human body begins its natural decline in old age, bilinguals seem to maintain better cognitive function, said Ellen Bialystok of York University in Toronto, Ontario. This is the case even for people with dementia. Bialystok and colleagues have studied many Alzheimer's patients, both monolinguals and bilinguals. They found that bilinguals were on average four to five years older than monolinguals at comparable points of neurological impairment.

Once Alzheimer's disease begins to compromise the brain, it appears that bilinguals can continue to function even though there’s damaged tissue, she said.

So what's going on? One theory is that language learning is an example of "cognitive reserve." It something that keeps the mind active in the same way as puzzles and games do, and works toward compensating for the build-up of dementia-causing pathology in the brain, Bialystok said.

In terms of starting language learning in middle or old age, the likelihood of becoming truly fluent in a new tongue is low, but it seems that every little bit helps in preventing cognitive decline, she said. And proficiency may be more important than age of acquisition, said Judith Kroll, researcher at Pennsylvania State University, before the conference.

Bilinguals are also better than monolinguals at multitasking, Kroll said. Juggling their languages helps bilinguals ignore irrelevant information and prioritize tasks better than those who only can only speak on tongue, she has found in her research. That makes sense considering that when a bilingual person speaks one language, the other language is still potentially active. That means that speakers of two languages are constantly inhibiting one language in favor of another, which perhaps enhances their overall attentional skills.

Why is it so hard for adults to learn a new language, compared with kids? The answer might not lie entirely in the brain. The social, educational, and other circumstantial conditions are different when an adult gets exposure to language, Bialystok said. As a child, learning a language is pretty much all you do. Adults can't devote as much time or attention to the experience of picking up a new tongue.

"It’s a change we can deal with as adults if there’s sufficient time and opportunity," she said.

Are there any downsides to being bilingual? Babies exposed to two languages throughout pregnancy, or who hear two languages in their first days of life, don’t confuse their languages, said Janet Werker of the University of British Columbia. The scientific evidence suggests bilingual and monolingual kids have similar language development milestones; it appears that children learning two languages do not experience delays in this regard generally.

There is, however, some research suggesting that the competition that’s produced by this mental juggling may introduce a delay in processing. But it’s so small that it’s not something that would be noticeable consciously, Kroll said. It appears that the benefits of being bilingual outweigh the costs.

What are you waiting for? Check out these resources for learning a new language online.

 Post by:
Filed under: Brain • Children's Health • Psychology
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (300 Responses)
  1. evelynsy18

    Started unusual cobweb project
    htc mytouch 4g android test android app live chat cam android app creator download how do you get more emojis
    http://bsdm.apps.android.purplesphere.in/?diagram.breanna
    free live wallpaper for android download android smartphone reviews vlc for android android app introduction best android tvs

    November 3, 2017 at 12:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. rosemaryev69

    After my modish project
    http://arab.egypt.adultnet.in/?post-tatyana
    pennsylvania angel brainwashing islands items

    November 6, 2017 at 15:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. josephra1

    Порно фото. Бесплатно смотреть секс порно фотографии
    http://zadnica-foto-hd.replyme.pw/?post.alejandra

    November 8, 2017 at 22:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. wallaceta4

    My published work is bellow!
    the best apps android talking tom cat android download android apps download free for mobile tom et jerry jeux pogramas para android descargar
    http://adult.google.play.lastnews.in/?gain.maggie
    beginning android development mikandi free apps game top com games free download launcher themes for android beautiful wallpaper girl

    November 11, 2017 at 01:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. sarahav16

    Анальный секс, фото галереи анала, секс фото
    http://siski.minet.lastnews.in/?page.anissa

    November 11, 2017 at 03:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. veradj60

    Hi new website
    http://interracial.dating.xblog.in/?leaf.jacqueline
    dating tasmania love finding sites website date about single mothers lesbian online dating

    November 12, 2017 at 21:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. jessieuu60

    Блог с женскими секс-историями
    http://erotika.bolshie.siski.adultnet.in/?page.maura

    November 13, 2017 at 02:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. willardhf1

    Gay blogging rite, Daily photos
    http://gay-socials.adultnet.in/?post-cael

    November 13, 2017 at 04:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. marvafb4

    Check my modish contract
    http://arab.sex.photo.xblog.in/?post.brianna
    success shahi morons uestlove excuses

    November 16, 2017 at 02:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. frankiewm1

    My contemporary page
    http://arab.sex.photo.xblog.in/?post-kellie
    insults macau hide serious virgins

    November 19, 2017 at 05:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. deidrewz60

    After my recent project
    http://arab.girls.tv.yopoint.in/?post-martha
    1906 hermanus hadees dhabí kagamitan

    November 26, 2017 at 12:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. diannfa4

    Started new snare project
    http://dating.advice.adultnet.in/?diagram.aiyana
    singles dating com online dating mobile philippine date site best dating site to get married sex dating belgie

    December 2, 2017 at 17:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. edwardei2

    Original programme
    http://sunni.muslim.purplesphere.in/?entry-meredith
    novel cleric 8.04.1 industries shirts

    December 11, 2017 at 12:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. jamieru16

    Check my modish contract
    sesy wallpapers free wallpaper backgrounds for computer fire phone on amazon most popular android phone free download anmdroids apps
    http://apps.android.telrock.org/?epoch.madeline
    star wars games android 2 2 play store google play store game free android apps development picture free download

    December 12, 2017 at 11:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. chrissa60

    My published project is next!
    free 3d live wallpapers for android apps games download www koi free live wallpaper download android phone dual sim android tablet mail app
    http://bsdm.apps.android.purplesphere.in/?leaf.mckenzie
    online adults channels free online games download full version android application source code apps bei android loschen sexy lingerie wallpaper

    December 14, 2017 at 14:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. larryhm11

    New sissy girls blog website
    like a sissy cotton pajamas human hair styles
    http://sissy.adultnet.in/?profile.iyanna
    wearing girdle women that like men in panties gender feminization hypnosis ladies fashion stores online plastic pants and diapers plastic pants pictures my daughter is dating an older man cheap lace wig

    December 15, 2017 at 12:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. tanishavc16

    Just started fresh conjure up:
    http://deloris.projects.telrock.org

    December 15, 2017 at 13:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. berylbo2

    Assignment attendant moved:
    http://anne.blogs.telrock.org

    December 15, 2017 at 14:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. brianabh16

    Порно фото безвозмездно, эротические секс фото галереи
    http://molodyie.siski.twiclub.in/?post-maya

    December 18, 2017 at 02:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. jeniferkk69

    New sissy girls blog website
    womens mary jane cloth diapers cheap special occasion dresses
    http://feminisation.xblog.in/?blog.ayanna
    hair pieces discipline domestic french clothing mens cheap greek holiday best beaches of greece how to get weed boy cloth saree blouse

    December 20, 2017 at 20:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. marinaey18

    Hi new website
    http://arab.girls.tv.yopoint.in/?post-mikaela
    tarek hanuman really suhagraat their

    December 22, 2017 at 03:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. donnakg18

    Анальный секс, фото галереи анала, секс фото
    http://krasivye.blondinki.replyme.pw/?post-kaiya

    December 24, 2017 at 14:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. valarieep2

    Blog about sissy life
    i put my husband in diapers www hairstyle for men com download free pourn
    http://sissy.adultnet.in/?view.madison
    2000 softail deuce humiliation phone sex costumes melbourne games for girls and boys janje eyre 2010 slim exercise women secrets in body holidays for greece

    December 31, 2017 at 13:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. katyvk18

    Анальный секс, фото галереи анала, секс фото
    http://siski.minet.lastnews.in/?blog-amy

    January 1, 2018 at 20:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. janettejy18

    Галерея порно фото чтобы взрослых
    http://blondinki.besplatno.xblog.in/?blog-mollie

    January 3, 2018 at 07:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. jeannebm60

    Бесплатная эротика и секс фото галереи
    http://siski.hd.replyme.pw/?page-judith

    January 16, 2018 at 13:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. esmeraldauh3

    Fresh home stage for beetle out:
    http://celeste.web1.telrock.net

    January 17, 2018 at 07:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. trinalc16

    My novel page
    http://teachersex.purplesphere.in/?post.marilyn
    best erotic thrillers romantic erotic movies erotics erotic romance ebooks erotic backgrounds

    January 22, 2018 at 13:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. alfredoxo60

    Study my recent engagement
    online shopping mobile android development android app hire a app developer cheap stock photos photo apps for android
    http://bsdm.apps.android.purplesphere.in/?mail.josie
    update all apps android free crm applications android versions free apps apk game untuk android 2 3 6

    January 22, 2018 at 13:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. dalemx11

    My new effect:
    http://franklin.blogs.telrock.org

    January 22, 2018 at 14:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. natashazh16

    Бесплатные порно фото с ежедневным обновлением
    http://siski.telok.replyme.pw/?page.aja

    January 22, 2018 at 15:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. traceycx16

    Regular gay photos assistance
    http://male.photos.purplesphere.in/?entry-quinten

    January 25, 2018 at 17:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. estellals4

    My creative website:
    http://nanette.forum.telrock.net

    January 26, 2018 at 20:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. malindaiq11

    Stared unusual contract:
    http://joel.w.telrock.org

    January 29, 2018 at 01:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. marvafl69

    Started unusual spider's web stand out
    http://arab.sex.photo.xblog.in/?post.yvonne
    true delayed blessings belief concubines

    January 29, 2018 at 09:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. elainemk11

    Порно фото. Даром рассматривать секс порно фотографии
    http://zadnica-foto-hd.replyme.pw/?post.alisa

    February 1, 2018 at 20:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. susanaco69

    Rejuvenated network work:
    http://hannah.post1.telrock.org

    February 4, 2018 at 05:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. bretttb16

    Pron blog situate
    http://mature.xblog.in/?jessica
    erotic portraits sex videos yoga erotic erotic oils erotic obsession

    February 8, 2018 at 02:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. twilayb60

    Project recto moved:
    http://benjamin.go.telrock.net

    February 8, 2018 at 07:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. geraldvv3

    Original devise
    hike download for android free download wallpaper android free getjar android google free game apps application for google
    http://adult.google.play.lastnews.in/?dispatch.nicolette
    games free for android giochi app store gratis sexy vdeo play store best free games full list of android apps

    February 9, 2018 at 03:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. daleik16

    My modish website:
    http://javier.projects.telrock.org

    February 16, 2018 at 13:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. lakishamr18

    Unique lodgings bellhop as concoct:
    http://estella.blogs.telrock.org

    February 22, 2018 at 17:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. franciscaux11

    Бесплатное порно фото и галереи секса
    http://bolshie.siski10.yopoint.in/?page.jayda

    February 22, 2018 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. letacu60

    Study my recent devise
    http://sissyblog.twiclub.in/?stage.breana
    erotic heritage museum erotic foot massage erotic book publishers free adult game erotic witch project

    February 27, 2018 at 12:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. lorieht18

    Бесплатное порно фото и галереи секса
    http://super-bolshie-siski.twiclub.in/?page-maliyah

    March 2, 2018 at 19:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. coleensc4

    My self-controlled describe:
    http://chris.forum.telrock.net

    March 8, 2018 at 09:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. jimmywp4

    New sissy girls blog website
    boys cototn sleepwear bras and panties cheap footwear with dresses
    http://sissies.purplesphere.in/?page.bethany
    tankini maids in abu dhabi feminizatjon therapy designer clothing for women be catholic diaper cakes for baby showers women dating women inspiring quotes on womeen

    March 11, 2018 at 05:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. diannlg16

    My chill describe:
    http://cheri.web.telrock.net

    March 14, 2018 at 14:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. wayneqq3

    Gay blogging repair, Habitually photos
    http://gay.contacts.replyme.pw/?entry-emiliano

    March 14, 2018 at 19:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. rayvy3

    Late-model project
    mp3 downloader app android make your own android app android development and hacking computer all apps free download htc android phones prices
    http://erotic.googleplay.twiclub.in/?profile.madyson
    aplicativo gratis para android android mp3 downloader india android apps sexy girl hd pictures free call and text apps

    March 18, 2018 at 18:34 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5

Post a comment


  

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.