5 Ways In Which Learning a New Language Benefits Your Brain

If you’re thinking about taking up a new hobby, try learning a new language, as it turns out that knowing more than one language can seriously boost your brain power. And if you already speak more than one language, know that you’re in luck, as bilingualism (or multilingualism) comes with quite a few fascinating cognitive benefits. For instance, research shows that speaking two or more languages improves your concentration, makes you better at problem-solving, and can even protect you from cognitive decline.

There are 5 main cognitive benefits of knowing more than one language:

1. Prevents Cognitive Decline

One of the most outstanding benefits of speaking more than one language is the ability to retain a young brain and delay cognitive decline. More specifically, research shows that bilinguals are less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s, and they have a better chance of recovering after a stroke.

A study showed that, on average, bilinguals are diagnosed with dementia 3-4 years later than monolinguals, and a study found that Alzheimer’s patients who are bilingual are, on average, 5 years older than their monolingual counterparts.

So, much like engaging in other cognitively-challenging activities like solving crossword puzzles or practicing musical instruments, knowing a second language can train your brain to be more resilient to adverse age-related changes.

2. Bilinguals Can Maintain Focus Better

If maintaining focus and concentrating deeply on an important task can sometimes prove to be problematic, learning a new language could be helpful at training that skill. This is because people who know two and more languages have a more highly developed executive functioning, which involves the ability to focus on the important bits and ignore the unimportant ones.

Brain imaging studies have shown that bilinguals have a more active and highly-developed dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which is one of the areas in the front part of the brain responsible both for organizing language and executive function. So, by exercising your language skills, you’re actually improving your ability to concentrate because these two abilities share the same brain area.

3. Learning an Extra Language Improves Your Judgment

If you ever doubt your decisions and fear you might be biased against or towards a certain issue, try talking, reading or thinking about it in a different language to perceive it from a more rational and objective perspective. This exercise is useful, as there is research suggesting that people tend to think about a specific moral issue more objectively and less emotionally if they do so in a foreign language rather than their native one.

The authors theorize that this may be the case because some words have certain emotional connotations that trigger an emotional reaction, but if we think about the same issue in a foreign language, we lose this extra emotional layer and can judge the same issue more objectively.

4. Bilinguals are Better at Multitasking

To manage more than one task at the same time, it’s necessary for a person to switch easily from one task to another and to be able to ignore everything irrelevant to the tasks at hand. Now, it turns out that when speaking, bilinguals multitask constantly, as they always have to choose a word or phrase in the language they’re speaking in at the time of speech and not the other one they know.

By constantly juggling between languages, bilinguals actually train their multitasking abilities without even knowing it, and so they are, on average, much better than their monolingual counterparts at multitasking.

5. Speaking Two or More Languages Improves Your Problem Solving Skills

Getting the hang of a challenging task and finding new and creative ways to solve it requires immense mental strength, and it’s a skill that requires constant practice. Experiments have shown time and time that bilinguals are better at solving different types of challenging tasks because they are better at analyzing and have a superior working memory (a skill that allows you to take several things into account simultaneously when solving a problem).

Brain imaging studies also support this finding, pointing out that bilinguals aren’t simply better at different problem-solving tasks, but their brains work more efficiently when solving these tasks as well. And while we don't really know why learning a new language helps us think more clearly and organize our thoughts better, it's certain that knowing a second language is more useful to us than we might think.

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15 Things Neurologists Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but ongoing research shows promise for reducing the risk and delaying the onset of this neurodegenerative disorder.

Understand Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 80 percent of dementia cases and affecting more than 5.5 million people in the United States. But all dementia is not Alzheimer’s, says  a neurologist. Dementia is a general term used to describe a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, or language. Alzheimer’s is a physical disease that targets the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is also age-related (symptoms usually start at age 65) and progressive as symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. Research shows that plaques and tangles, two proteins that build up and block connections between nerve cells and eventually damage and kill nerve cells in the brain, cause the symptoms of the disease.

Get a baseline brain scan

Neuroimaging, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), is one of the most promising areas of research for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. “The idea is to start prevention early,” says a neurologist. “We get routine colonoscopies in our fifties, but the risk of colon cancer is less than the risk for dementia.” Structural imaging can reveal tumors, evidence of strokes, damage from severe head trauma, or a buildup of fluid in the brain. “A baseline brain MRI can reveal the evidence of mini-strokes that you may have had without knowing,” says the Dr.

Get enough sleep

When you toss and turn all night, levels of brain-damaging proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can rise:One study suggests that those with chronic sleep problems during middle age may increase their risk of Alzheimer’s later in life. “You have to commit to the importance of sleep,” says the Dr.  “I prioritize sleep as one of the most important activities I do—I will leave a party early in order to get a good night’s sleep.”

Stay socially active

Say yes to those social invitations! Studies reveal that people with a large social network are at lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. “There is something intrinsically valuable about social engagement,” says a Dr. “It makes sense that those who are more engaged, especially socially, will think more positively and have a better outlook on life.”

Keep learning

People with advanced degrees have a lower risk Alzheimer’s. Education seems to build a “cognitive reserve,” which enables the brain to better resist neurological damage. “Higher education has a powerful effect,” says the Dr. It’s never too late—check out the continuing education courses offered near you.

Be bilingual

Speaking more than one language can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, according to research. While no one is sure why a second language helps so much, the Dr. theorizes that the effort to communicate bilingually is like a workout for the brain, helping preserve gray matter and neurons.

Do it yourself

Challenging your brain in new ways can enhance memory as you age. Dr. has her own take on this: “If there is a problem with the phone or the plumbing, I will try to fix it,” she says. “If I try to figure out how to fix this on my own, it is good for my brain.” Right now she’s designing and building a window seat. “It is a way to keep different parts of my brain thriving.”

Stay active

Exercise crucial to your wellness and your brain. In research, people who exercise regularly can slow cognitive decline  by as much as 38 percent. According to the Alzheimer's Society, the combined results of 11 studies indicate that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent; it drops the risk of Alzheimer’s by 45 percent. “When you are physically active, you burn more calories and you’re less likely to be obese,” explains the Dr. “You’ll have better cardiovascular health because you are pushing your heart rate.”

Try turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that has been shown to help with inflammation. Used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions such as osteoarthritis and high cholesterol, turmeric has also shown promise as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Dr.  notes that the research is preliminary, but it suggests that curcumin can help keep the nerve cells functioning and healthy. “You want to keep as many nerve cells functioning with as many connections as possible,” he says.

Take care of your heart

“What is good for the heart is good for the brain,” says the Dr. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, may also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and a new study shows that middle-aged people with risk factors for heart attacks and stroke are also more likely to develop changes in the brain that can lead to the disease. “Anything that keeps the heart healthy is directly related to brain health,” the Dr. says.

Lower your stress levels

Persistent stress can take a toll on the brain, and research indicates that chronic stress can accelerate Alzheimer’s disease. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone linked to memory trouble. In addition, researchers have found that stress can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety—which also ups the risk for dementia. “Eliminating stress helps reduce the amount of cortisol and optimizes glucose utilization, which your brain needs for food,” says the Dr.

Try the MIND diet

A combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, the MIND diet is designed specifically for brain health. (MIND is short for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.) The diet is pretty pleasant: You eat at least three servings of whole grains a day, two portions of vegetables (one of which must be a leafy green), snack on nuts, eat lean proteins like chicken and fish, berries, and have a glass of wine a day. According to research, those who adhered to the diet rigorously were able to lower their risk of cognitive decline later in life. You can’t trust all diets, warns Dr., but he likes this approach: “I tell my patients that if you follow a reasonable diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetable that balances different food groups, and avoid obesity, you will be OK.”

Get your snoring checked out

Another way to wreck your sleep without realizing it is with sleep apnea. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea occurs when a person’s upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. Many factors—from obesity to large tonsils to neuromuscular disorders—can cause sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea not only prevents restful sleep, but it can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions. “If left untreated, sleep apnea has significant cardiovascular consequences and consequences of mental function,” says  the Dr.  Recent research also links sleep apnea to the accumulation of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment may save your brain, not to mention your life.

Protect your head

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there is a strong link between serious head trauma and developing Alzheimer’s later in life, especially if the injury involves loss of consciousness. A review of research  suggests head injuries that require medical attention may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Wear a helmet while cycling, make your home fall-proof, and always use a seat belt to help protect your noggin.

Have some tea and honey

Green tea has loads of health benefits: One study found that a compound in the beverage can disrupt the formation of toxic plaques that contribute to the Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, Acacia honey (a type of honey produced by bees who feed on Acacia flowers) is considered to be highly nutritional with strong antioxidant and immuno-modulatory potential, making it a potential candidate for both cancer prevention and as a therapeutic agent in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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Being bilingual may ward off ageing, dementia

If you know two or more languages, chances are that you will save more brain power as you age compared to those who missed out.
A team of researchers has established that years of bilingualism change how the brain carries out tasks that require concentrating on one piece of information without becoming distracted by other information.

This makes the brain more efficient and economical with its resources.

“After years of daily practice managing interference between two languages, bilinguals become experts at selecting relevant information and ignoring information that can distract from a task,” said Dr Ana Inés Ansaldo from the University of Montreal.

To arrive at this conclusion, Ansaldo’s team asked two groups of seniors (one of monolinguals and one of bilinguals) to perform a task that involved focusing on visual information while ignoring spatial information.

The researchers compared the networks between different brain areas as people did the task.

They found that monolinguals recruited a larger circuit with multiple connections, whereas bilinguals recruited a smaller circuit that was more appropriate for the required information.

In a nutshell, bilinguals showed higher connectivity between visual processing areas located at the back of the brain.
 
“These data indicate that the bilingual brain is more efficient and economical, as it recruits fewer regions and only specialised regions,” explained Ansaldo in a paper published in the Journal of Neurolinguistics.

The results may explain why the brains of bilinguals are better equipped at staving off the signs of cognitive ageing or dementia.
“We now need to study how this function translates to daily life, for example, when concentrating on one source of information instead of another, which is something we have to do every day,” Ansaldo noted.

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Being bilingual can slow brain ageing

Speaking two or more languages may slow down cognitive decline caused by ageing, a new study has found.

Bilingualism has a positive effect on cognition later in life, even for those who acquired the second language in adulthood, researchers found.

While prior research has investigated the impact of learning more than one language, ruling out "reverse causality" has proven difficult.

The crucial question is whether people improve their cognitive functions through learning new languages or whether those with better baseline cognitive functions are more likely to become bilingual, researchers said.

"Our study is the first to examine whether learning a second language impacts cognitive performance later in life while controlling for childhood intelligence," said lead author Dr Thomas Bak from the Centre for Cognitive Aging and Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.

For the study, researchers relied on data from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, comprising 835 native speakers of English who were born and living in the area of Edinburgh, Scotland.

The participants were given an intelligence test in 1947 at age 11 years and retested in their early 70s, between 2008 and 2010.

Of the participants reported to be able to communicate in at least one language other than English, 195 learned the second language before age 18, and 65 learned it thereafter.

Findings indicated that those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities compared to what would be expected from their baseline.

The strongest effects were seen in general intelligence and reading. The effects were present in those who acquired their second language early as well as late.

"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," said Bak.

The findings are published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society.

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Speak more languages to delay dementia

A neurologist, a linguist and a cognitive science specialist came together in a city that speaks three languages to reveal an interesting phenomenon that could help prevent dementia.

According to a study carried out, speaking a second language could delay the occurrence of three types of dementia –Alzheimer’s, vascular and fronto-temporal - in later life, by about 4.5 years.

While a neurologist  researched the case-files of 648 dementia patients treated in the Clinic run by the institute’s Department of Neurology, a Professor of  linguistics department studied the use of languages in the city’s interactions.

The findings of the interdisciplinary study were recently published in the journal – Neurology.

The study shows that the brain constantly switching languages, through one’s lifetime, improves the attention and cognitive control and thus increases the cognitive reserve which protects the brain from developing dementia early.

The study’s hypothesis was drawn from evidence found in Canada that occurrence of dementia among the bilinguals was delayed. Many of these bilinguals were found to be immigrants.

“Unlike in the West, multilingualism has become a norm in India. This is a result of aspects like education in English, contact with other language speakers and government initiatives promoting local language.

And we use languages creatively mixing the words and framing new phrases. All this helps the brain be active instead of being passive at times that could lead to early loss of memory.

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