Brain Gym
This mental activity is compared to going to the gym every day.
What is “learning new languages” or “being bilingual”?
In 2007, this researcher’s team found bilingual individuals develop dementia this many years later than monolinguals.
What is “four to four-and-a-half years”?
Learning a language later in life modifies these existing brain structures.
What are “neural networks”?
Bilingualism helps people understand that others may have different these.
What are “perspectives” or “points of view”?
Besides cognitive benefits, speaking multiple languages opens doors to new cultural experiences and these.
What are “life opportunities”?
In the bilingual brain, all these remain active even when not in use.
What are “all languages”?
This concept refers to a reserve of thinking abilities that helps protect against cognitive decline.
What is “cognitive reserve”?
A 2023 study at Great Ormond Street found early bilinguals showed stronger connectivity in this brain state.
What is “resting-state connectivity”?
Compared to the first language, this type of thinking tends to occur more in a second language.
What is “more rational or abstract thinking”?
According to Verywell Mind, learning a new language enhances this type of social trait, besides brain function.
What is “empathy” or “social connections”?
Suppressing one of these while speaking another exercises your brain.
What is “a language”?
Bilingual people also recover significantly better from this brain-affecting condition.
What is “a stroke”?
Early bilingual children had what, even while their brains were “doing nothing”?
What is “stronger brain connectivity”?
Recent studies suggest bilingualism boosts these two types of brain tissues critical for communication and learning.
What are “grey matter and white matter”?