The participants were given an intelligence test in 1947 at the age of 11 and were retested in their early 70s, between 2008 and 2010. Of the participants, 262 said they were able to communicate in at least one language other than English. Of those, 195 learned the second language before the age of 18, while 65 learned the language after this age.
Researchers found that those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities in later life, compared to what would be predicted from their performance in the tests at age 11.
The strongest effects were seen in general intelligence and reading. Researchers said the effects were present in those who acquired their second language later in life, as well as early.
No negative effects of bilingualism were observed in any group.
Dr Bak said the improvements in cognitive development could not be explained by original levels of intelligence.
He added: “These findings are of considerable practical relevance. Millions of people around the world acquire their second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the ageing brain.”
Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School said, “The epidemiological study provides an important first step in understanding the impact of learning a second language and the ageing brain.
This research paves the way for future causal studies of bilingualism and cognitive decline prevention.”
Researchers found that those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities in later life, compared to what would be predicted from their performance in the tests at age 11.
The strongest effects were seen in general intelligence and reading. Researchers said the effects were present in those who acquired their second language later in life, as well as early.
No negative effects of bilingualism were observed in any group.
Dr Bak said the improvements in cognitive development could not be explained by original levels of intelligence.
He added: “These findings are of considerable practical relevance. Millions of people around the world acquire their second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the ageing brain.”
Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School said, “The epidemiological study provides an important first step in understanding the impact of learning a second language and the ageing brain.
This research paves the way for future causal studies of bilingualism and cognitive decline prevention.”
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