A recent study has found that speaking multiple languages may significantly delay brain aging, potentially keeping the brain up to 13 years younger than average. The research, presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies conference in Barcelona, indicates that multilingualism enhances brain health and cognitive resilience.

According to the study, individuals who spoke two languages had brains that appeared approximately six years younger than monolingual individuals. Those who spoke three languages showed brains about seven years younger, and four-language speakers displayed brains around 13 years younger than expected for their chronological age. The findings suggest that both the number of languages spoken and the age at which they are acquired play important roles in brain aging, with earlier language learning and higher proficiency linked to more pronounced benefits.

Dr. Lucia Amoruso from the Basque Centre on Cognition, Brain and Language, who led the research, emphasized that language experience impacts brain aging on a continuum rather than in binary terms of bilingualism versus monolingualism. The team plans to extend their research to populations with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where maintaining brain resilience is critically important.

Experts explain that learning another language improves brain plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Neuroscientist Mark Adams notes that managing multiple active languages requires ongoing mental effort, as the brain must suppress non-target languages to communicate effectively. This sustained activity strengthens neural connections and delays cognitive decline.

For English speakers interested in learning a new language, linguist Dr. Marie Johansen recommends languages with linguistic similarities to English, such as Spanish, French, and Norwegian. She advises learners to focus on achieving fluency in one language at a time rather than spreading efforts across multiple languages, which can cause interference and hamper progress.

Regarding language-learning apps like Duolingo, Johansen acknowledges their usefulness for introducing vocabulary and fostering daily practice habits but cautions that these tools generally lack the comprehensive immersion and conversational practice necessary for full fluency.

While early language acquisition is associated with greater brain benefits, research suggests that it is never too late to begin learning a new language. A 2003 Stanford study showed that adults in their fifties could learn a second language as effectively as younger learners when given similar teaching conditions. Additionally, language-learning platforms have noted a growing number of older users motivated by cognitive health rather than travel.

Language educators advocate persistence and practical engagement over rapid mastery. Julie Richard of Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow highlights the importance of embracing mistakes and consistently exposing oneself to the language through reading, listening, and speaking. Studies suggest that the challenge of recalling words, known as “desirable difficulty,” can actually enhance long-term memory retention.

For those starting out, experts recommend dedicating 15 to 20 minutes daily to language practice to build competency steadily. The research collectively underscores multilingualism as a valuable tool for cognitive longevity and brain vitality across the lifespan.