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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
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Foreign language learning in older age does not improve memory or intelligence: Evidence from a randomized controlled

Rasmus Berggren1, Jonna Nilsson1, Yvonne Brehmer2

  • 1Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Learning a new language in older age may not significantly boost cognitive abilities like memory or intelligence. This study found minimal cognitive benefits for older adults undertaking basic foreign language training.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Educational Psychology

Background:

  • Foreign language learning is hypothesized to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.
  • Research is needed to validate the cognitive benefits of late-life language acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of foreign language learning on cognitive functions in healthy older adults.
  • To compare the effects of language learning versus relaxation training on cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 160 healthy participants aged 65-75 years.
  • Participants were assigned to either an 11-week language learning (Italian) or relaxation training group.
  • Cognitive assessments included measures of verbal and spatial intelligence, working memory, and various memory types.

Main Results:

  • The language learning group acquired basic Italian knowledge.
  • No significant between-group differences were observed in improvements in verbal intelligence, spatial intelligence, working memory, item memory, or associative memory.
  • Observed cognitive effects were negligible, not attributable to measurement, intensity, or statistical power limitations.

Conclusions:

  • Basic foreign language learning in older adults likely yields no or trivial cognitive benefits.
  • While expanding behavioral repertoire, language learning does not substantially enhance cognitive processing abilities in this age group.
  • Findings contribute to the understanding of cognitive training and engagement in aging populations.