Multilingual people may have brains up to 13 years younger
People who speak several languages may have brains that age more slowly, with four-language speakers showing brains that appeared about 13 years younger than those of monolinguals. Starting earlier and becoming highly fluent were also linked to a stronger effect.
A new study suggests that individuals who speak multiple languages may have brains that appear up to 13 years younger than their chronological age. Conducted by researchers from Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Ireland, the study focused on the Basque region of Spain, where people commonly speak a combination of Spanish, Basque, French, and English.
By comparing actual ages with estimated brain ages, the researchers found that multilingual individuals had brains that looked younger by six years for bilinguals, seven years for trilinguals, and 13 years for those speaking four languages. This effect appeared stronger in those who learned additional languages earlier and became more proficient.
While the study did not establish causation, the researchers noted that multilingual experience could help offset age-related brain changes, pushing brain aging back by a significant margin.
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