Bilingualism as a Contributor to Cognitive Reserve: What it Can do and What it Cannot do

This study examines bilingualism as a factor contributing to cognitive reserve, which helps individuals cope with brain aging and neurodegeneration. It found that bilingual individuals often show symptoms of dementia later than monolinguals, despite having similar or greater brain atrophy. Bilingualism appears to enable the brain to adapt better to neuropathology, delaying cognitive decline and maintaining higher cognitive performance for longer. However, bilingualism does not prevent dementia, and once symptoms appear, cognitive decline may progress more rapidly in bilinguals.

Engage in lifelong bilingual or multilingual activities to stimulate cognitive reserve, including practicing, learning, or consistently using another language. While this study supports bilingualism's role in delaying cognitive symptoms, its effects depend on continuous use and other lifestyle factors like education and physical activity. More research is needed to establish the precise mechanisms and long-term benefits.