Speaking multiple languages can reduce a person's neurological age by as much as 13 years.
The study indicates a direct correlation between the number of languages a person speaks and the apparent age of their brain connectivity. Researchers observed a clear progression in neurological benefits as linguistic ability increased.
- Two languages: Brains appeared approximately 6 years younger.
- Three languages: Brains appeared approximately 7 years younger.
- Four languages: Brains appeared approximately 13 years younger.
This data suggests that the cognitive benefits of multilingualism do not plateau early but rather increase as more languages are added to an individual’s repertoire.
Does language proficiency affect neurological age?
It isn’t just about the total number of languages spoken. The depth of a person’s linguistic skill and when they began learning also play critical roles in brain health.
Dr. Lucia Amoruso, from the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language in San Sebastián, noted that the effect functions as a gradient. Higher proficiency and earlier acquisition of a second language were both linked to more delayed brain aging.
“In simple terms, people who spoke more languages tended to have brains that looked younger than expected for their chronological age. The effect was not only related to the number of languages spoken. Higher language proficiency and earlier acquisition of a second language were also associated with more delayed brain ageing,” said Dr. Amoruso.
To move beyond previous observations of language proficiency in Europe, scientists conducted a study measuring individual brain activity. The research team included scientists from Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Dublin.
The researchers focused on the Basque region, an area known for high levels of multilingualism involving Spanish, Basque, French, and English. They used magnetoencephalography to monitor the brain activity of 728 participants with varying ages and linguistic abilities.
After collecting the data, the team used AI to establish what constitutes a “normal” level of brain connectivity for any given age. They then compared these results against a second group of 144 people, divided equally into those speaking one, two, three, or four languages.
Could lifestyle factors influence these results?
While the link between multilingualism and brain resilience is strong, experts suggest other variables might be at play. The researchers noted they could not rule out the impact of social engagement or general lifestyle choices.
Eef Hogervorst, a professor of biological psychology at Loughborough University, suggested that multilingual individuals might also participate in other brain-protective activities. These include reading, lifelong learning, and playing musical instruments, which are often associated with healthier lifestyles.
Despite these caveats, many experts see a clear trend toward using language as a tool for cognitive longevity. Prof. Christina Dalla, a neuroscientist from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, argued that there are significant social, cultural, and health-related reasons to support language learning in schools and throughout adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can learning a language help an older brain?
Yes. Prof. Christina Dalla states that there are many good reasons for learning another language at any age, including the health of your brain, and suggests we should support lifelong language learning.
Is being bilingual enough to see benefits?
What is the most effective way to slow brain aging through language?
According to Dr. Lucia Amoruso, the most effective approach involves high language proficiency and acquiring languages at an earlier age.
What are your thoughts on the link between language and brain health? Leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on neurological research.
