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Learning Another Language Appears To Slow Brain Aging By Up To 13 Years
A new study indicates that multilingualism might slow down brain aging. Bilingual individuals exhibited brains appearing approximately six years younger than their monolingual counterparts. Those speaking four languages showed brains that seemed up to 13 years younger. Researchers suggest that learning languages earlier and achieving higher proficiency enhance this beneficial effect. The study involved comparing brain activity in individuals from the Basque region with varying language proficiencies. Scientists used magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity and AI to assess neurological age. This technology allowed them to determine brain connectivity levels relative to chronological age. A separate group of participants, speaking one to four languages, were also scanned and analyzed. The findings suggest that speaking more languages is linked to younger-appearing brains. It was also observed that higher language proficiency and earlier second language acquisition further contributed to delayed brain aging.