Speaking multiple languages may slow the aging process of the brain, research finds
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Speaking two or more languages may help delay brain aging, according to new research.
This study, presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum, found that people who speak multiple languages appear to have smaller brains than those who speak only one language.
The researchers analyzed brain activity from hundreds of people in Spain’s Basque region who spoke between one and four languages, including Spanish, Basque, French and English. They used artificial intelligence to estimate each participant’s “brain age” based on patterns of brain connectivity.
A COMMON VITAMIN MAY PREVENT BRAIN AGING BEYOND SCIENTISTS EXPECTED.
The researchers found that the bilingual participants had brains that appeared to be six years younger than those of the monolingual participants. People who spoke three languages had brains that appeared to be seven years younger, while those who spoke four languages had brains that appeared to be 13 years younger.
The findings also suggest that people who learn a second language early in life and are fluent in it reap significant benefits.
Speaking more than one language can help keep the brain young as people age, according to new research. (Stock)
Dr. Tommy Wood, a neurologist, exercise consultant and author of “The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp At Any Age,” said the findings support previous research showing that speaking multiple languages can help protect brain function as people age.
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“A lot of the evidence for the benefits of learning more than one language comes from people who grew up bilingual or learned more than one language at a young age,” Wood, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
He said that adults who did not grow up speaking more than one language should not think that it is too late for them to benefit.
Researchers have analyzed brain activity from hundreds of people who speak between one and four languages, using artificial intelligence to estimate how old their brains are based on patterns of brain connectivity. (Stock)
“There is no clear cut end to the age at which learning a second language would no longer be beneficial,” Wood said.
Several randomized controlled trials involving older adults found improvements in attention, working memory and executive function after several months of language learning, he said.
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Besides improving cognitive function, Wood said learning a new language can help people stay engaged and strengthen the brain’s ability to acquire new information.
He encouraged adults not to be discouraged by making mistakes while studying.
Experts say learning a new language can help people stay connected while supporting brain health. (Stock)
“It’s also important to rely on the system to be the starting point,” said Wood.
“Making mistakes is one of the things that creates neuroplasticity and learning,” he said. “If you choose to learn a new language, stick with it, challenge yourself and accept failure from time to time. You’ll actually learn faster because of it.”
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The researchers acknowledged several limitations in the study.
Although they accounted for factors such as age, gender and education, they said they could not rule out the influence of other factors, including lifestyle and social involvement, which may have affected the findings.
