Can speaking multiple languages really lower dementia risk? It’s not that simple

A popular theory suggests speaking multiple languages keeps the brain young and delays dementia. Recent research found that bilingual speakers' brains appeared up to six years younger on scans, while speakers of four languages showed advantages up to thirteen years. But when researchers reviewed multiple studies together, as The Conversation reports, they found multilingualism didn't actually lower dementia risk—it delayed diagnosis by two to five years. The likely reason: language learning builds vocabulary and problem-solving skills that may mask early signs of cognitive decline. What appears to matter more is the lifestyle—regular exercise, social engagement, and education—that often accompanies multilingualism.

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