Second Language Shows Benefits to Aging Brain

Older adults who have spoken two languages since childhood are faster than single-language speakers at switching from one task to another, according to a study conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. The study also found that lifelong bilinguals show different patterns of brain activity than their monolingual counterparts when making the switch. The research was led by Brian Gold, associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology, who specializes in cognitive neuroscience. The article, "Lifelong Bilingualism Maintains Neural Efficiency for Cognitive Control in Aging," was published in the Jan. 9 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
Source: UK College of Medicine News - Category: Universities & Medical Training Tags: 7H000 research Anatomy Aging Source Type: news