Research carried out in Norway with 86,848 participants showed that bilingual or multilingual people have a brain that is biologically younger than their chronological age. The effect appears even when the second language was learned in adulthood. The results were published this week in the journal Nature Aging.
Scientists from the University of Tromsø and the Norwegian Center for Dementia Research analyzed data collected between 2012 and 2023. Brain age calculation was done using MRI and artificial intelligence algorithms.
How multilingualism protects the brain
The study identified an average reduction of up to 4% in biological brain age among those who master at least two languages. Protection occurs mainly in regions linked to memory, attention and executive control.
Participants who learned a second language after age 40 also showed significant benefits. The gain was comparable to that of people who practice regular physical exercise or maintain a Mediterranean diet.
Methodology applied in research
Adults between 30 and 85 years of age were evaluated. All underwent brain imaging and standardized cognitive testing.
- Brain age estimated by an algorithm trained on 30,000 MRI exams
- Direct comparison between monolinguals and multilinguals of the same age group
- Control of variables such as education, income and lifestyle habits
- Longitudinal monitoring of part of the sample for up to seven years
Differences observed by age group
People between 50 and 70 years old showed the biggest gains. In this group, the brains of bilinguals appeared up to three years younger than those of monolinguals.
Among participants over 70 years of age, the effect was maintained, but with lower intensity. Researchers attribute this to the cognitive reserve accumulated throughout life.
Factors that increase the benefit
The study showed that the level of proficiency matters more than the age of acquisition. Those who use the second language daily get greater protection.
Learning languages in childhood gives you an initial advantage, but adults who become fluent achieve similar results. Activities such as reading and speaking in a foreign language intensify the effect.
Biological mechanisms involved
Multilingualism constantly stimulates the neural network of cognitive control. This constant activation increases gray matter density and improves connectivity between brain regions.
Researchers observed less accumulation of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s in multilingual participants. The protective effect is in addition to other known lifestyle factors.
Practical application of results
Experts recommend language courses as an accessible prevention strategy. In-person or online classes, applications and cultural exchanges are viable options at any age.
Higher education institutions in Norway are already planning to expand the offer of free courses for seniors. The goal is to include language learning in national brain health programs.
The research reinforces evidence accumulated since the 1960s about the cognitive benefits of bilingualism. Previous studies have already indicated a lower risk of dementia, and the new work quantifies the direct impact on brain aging.