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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Examining Bilingual Language Control Using the Stroop Task

Examining Bilingual Language Control Using the Stroop Task

Published on: February 26, 2020

Second language learning in older adults modulates Stroop task performance and brain activation.

Douglas H Schultz^1,2, Alison Gansemer³, Kiley Allgood³

¹Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States.

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

|August 22, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Learning a new language in older adulthood improves cognitive function and alters brain activity. Increased engagement with language learning correlates with greater changes in brain responses, suggesting potential for cognitive enhancement in aging.

Keywords:

Stroop task aging cognitive effects cognitive reserve fMRI language learning older adults

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroplasticity
Aging Research

Background:

Lifelong bilingualism is linked to cognitive benefits in aging.
The impact of acquiring a new language in older adulthood on cognition is largely unexplored.
Executive functions are critical for cognitive health during aging.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the behavioral and neural effects of a new language learning intervention in older adults.
To assess changes in cognitive performance using the Stroop task.
To examine brain activity patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after the intervention.

Main Methods:

41 older adults (60-80 years) participated in a 4-month online language course.
Participants engaged in 90 minutes of daily language study, 5 days/week.
Behavioral and fMRI data were collected during a color-word Stroop task pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

Language learning improved Stroop task performance (accuracy and reaction time).
fMRI revealed significant differences in prefrontal and parietal cortex activity between trial types post-intervention.
Greater time spent on language learning correlated with increased differential brain activity.

Conclusions:

Language learning interventions can enhance executive functions in older adults.
Cognitive reserve can be augmented through targeted interventions like language learning.
Further research is needed to optimize language learning parameters for cognitive enhancement in aging populations.