SouthernWorldwide.com – New research suggests that speaking two or more languages may contribute to a slower aging process in the brain.
A study presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum indicated that individuals who were multilingual appeared to possess younger-acting brains compared to those who spoke only one language.
The research involved analyzing brain activity from hundreds of participants residing in Spain’s Basque region. These individuals spoke between one and four languages, including Spanish, Basque, French, and English. The researchers utilized artificial intelligence to estimate the “brain age” of each participant by examining patterns in their brain connectivity.
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The findings revealed that bilingual participants had brains that appeared approximately six years younger than those of monolingual participants. Those who spoke three languages exhibited brains that seemed about seven years younger, while individuals speaking four languages had brains that appeared roughly 13 years younger.
Furthermore, the study suggested that individuals who acquired a second language earlier in life and achieved a high level of fluency experienced more significant benefits.
Dr. Tommy Wood, a neuroscientist, performance consultant, and author of “The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age,” commented that these findings align with previous research indicating that multilingualism can help preserve cognitive function as people age.
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He emphasized that adults who did not grow up speaking multiple languages should not believe it is too late to reap the advantages.
“There is no definitive age cutoff beyond which learning a second language ceases to be beneficial,” Wood stated.
He pointed to several randomized controlled trials involving older adults that have demonstrated improvements in attention, working memory, and executive function after just a few months of language learning.
Beyond enhancing cognitive function, Wood explained that learning a new language can also foster social engagement and bolster the brain’s capacity to absorb new information.
He encouraged adults not to be discouraged by making mistakes during the learning process.
“It is also crucial to fully embrace the experience of being a beginner,” Wood advised.
“Making mistakes is a significant catalyst for neuroplasticity and learning,” he added. “If you decide to learn a new language, commit yourself fully, challenge your abilities, and welcome occasional setbacks. You will, in fact, learn more rapidly as a consequence.”
The researchers did acknowledge certain limitations within the study.
While they did take into account factors such as age, sex, and education, they conceded that they could not definitively exclude the impact of other elements, including lifestyle and social engagement, which might have influenced the study’s outcomes.
