5 Ways In Which Learning a New Language Benefits Your Brain

If you’re thinking about taking up a new hobby, try learning a new language, as it turns out that knowing more than one language can seriously boost your brain power. And if you already speak more than one language, know that you’re in luck, as bilingualism (or multilingualism) comes with quite a few fascinating cognitive benefits. For instance, research shows that speaking two or more languages improves your concentration, makes you better at problem-solving, and can even protect you from cognitive decline. There are 5 main cognitive benefits of knowing more than one language: 1. Prevents Cognitive Decline One of the most outstanding benefits of speaking more than one language is the ability to retain a young brain and delay cognitive decline. More specifically, research shows that bilinguals are less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s , and they have a better chance of recovering after a stroke . A Canadian study showed that, on average, bilinguals are diagnosed with dementia 3-4 years later than monolinguals, and an Italian study found that Alzheimer’s patients who are bilingual are, on average, 5 years older than their monolingual counterparts. So, much like engaging in other cognitively-challenging activities like solving crossword puzzles or practicing musical instruments, knowing a second language can train your brain to be more resilient to adverse age-related changes. 2. Bilinguals Can Maintain Focus Better If maintaining focus and concentrating deeply on an important task can sometimes prove to be problematic, learning a new language could be helpful at training that skill. This is because people who know two and more languages have a more highly developed executive functioning , which involves the ability to focus on the important bits and ignore the unimportant ones. Brain imaging studies have shown that bilinguals have a more active and highly-developed […]

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