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The Association Between Multilingual Experience Factors and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults: A Lifelines Study
Floor van den Berg1, Jelle Brouwer1, Hanneke Loerts2
1Linguistics and English as a Second Language, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Summary
Learning more languages and starting later is linked to better cognitive function in older adults. This suggests multilingualism may support brain health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The cognitive benefits of multilingualism in older adulthood are increasingly recognized.
- Previous research suggests a protective effect of speaking multiple languages on cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between multilingual experience and cognitive functioning in older adults.
- To examine the impact of the number of languages learned and the age of second language acquisition on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A large cohort of 3,972 older adults (aged 59-86) from the Lifelines Cohort Study was analyzed.
- Participants completed a language experience questionnaire and underwent cognitive assessment using the Cogstate Brief Battery.
- Cognitive functions assessed included processing speed, attention, working memory, and recognition memory.
Main Results:
- A higher number of languages learned was significantly associated with better performance across all cognitive subtasks.
- Later acquisition of the second language (L2) correlated with improved attention.
- These findings remained significant after controlling for demographic factors like age, education, and income.
Conclusions:
- The number of languages learned and the age of L2 acquisition are key factors related to cognitive functioning in older adults.
- Evidence supports a positive link between multilingual experiences and cognitive health in aging.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm if multilingualism promotes healthy cognitive aging.
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