Foreign language proficiency helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer's

Learning foreign languages ​​enhances brain health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published by Canadian scientists.

Scientists at York University in Toronto (Canada) found that those who are fluent in two languages ​​are more versatile than those who speak only their mother tongue. In addition, those who speak two languages ​​suffer from dementia four to five years later in life than those who are only fluent in one language.

Learning foreign languages ​​enhances brain health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The team said that bilingualism is like a ' exercise ' that helps the brain become more flexible. This effect is most evident in people who learn foreign languages ​​since childhood. According to scientists, we can also start learning a new language when we are 40 or 50 years old.

The Daily Mail reported that Canadian scientists conducted a study with 211 Alzheimer's patients. About half of these patients can speak two languages. Results showed that patients who were fluent in 2 languages ​​suffered 4.3 years of dementia compared with patients who only knew one language.

Dr. Ellen Bialystok, head of the study, said: ' Speaking two languages ​​enhances the activity of the central brain region. This helps the brains of people who speak two languages ​​more flexible and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease . '

However, the team thinks that a person who knows two languages ​​does not mean that he or she is smarter and better than someone who speaks only one language. Currently, Dr. Bialystok and colleagues are studying the effect of bilingualism on the change of brain structure.