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Published on: September 20, 2018
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Clinical Manifestations
Tanya Dash1, Yves Joanette2, Ana-Inès Ansaldo3,4
1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Bilingualism and cognitive reserve protect aging brains by preserving cortical thickness in key areas. This study shows how lifelong language learning may shield against age-related brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Investigates the interplay of bilingualism, cognitive reserve, and brain structure in aging adults.
- Examines bilingualism's potential to mitigate age-related neural decline.
- Utilizes established measures for bilingualism and cognitive reserve index (CRIq), controlling for gender.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between bilingualism, cognitive reserve, and cortical thickness in aging individuals.
- To explore how bilingualism might preserve brain structure against age-related changes.
- To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive reserve in bilinguals.
Main Methods:
- Neuroimaging analysis of cortical thickness in 79 bilingual adults (aged 30-79) using FreeSurfer.
- Partial least squares regression (PLSR) to analyze relationships between age, bilingualism, CRIq, and cortical thickness.
- Assessment of multiple brain regions, including those involved in cognitive control and language processing.
Main Results:
- Age-related cortical thinning was observed in specific brain regions (e.g., middle temporal cortex, hippocampus).
- Cognitive reserve (CRIq) showed a protective effect, preserving cortical thickness in regions related to cognitive control (e.g., insula, thalamus).
- Bilingualism was associated with preserved cortical thickness in language and executive control areas (e.g., pars opercularis, inferior parietal cortex).
Conclusions:
- Bilingualism and cognitive reserve significantly contribute to preserving cortical thickness in aging brains.
- Findings support the neuroprotective role of bilingualism, particularly in language and executive function networks.
- This research enhances understanding of cognitive reserve mechanisms and their impact on brain aging.
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