Learning a Second Language Protects You From Alzheimer’s: The Cognitive Benefits of Learning a New Language

More than 6 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, with many of them being over the age of 65.  

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that is related to severe cognitive decline, and one of the most important ways to prevent this from occurring is by exercising your brain and keeping it active. Learning a new language offers several cognitive benefits, including protecting you from Alzheimer’s. Let’s talk about some of the other pros:

It improves cognitive flexibility

One of the biggest cognitive benefits of learning and speaking a second language is a phenomenon known as cognitive flexibility. This is the unique ability to interpret information in either language and switch languages when processing or responding. Think of it like when you’re talking to someone and can easily go back and forth between both languages.

It enhances creativity and thinking

Learning a second language actually improves your fluency and creativity in your first language. Your brain learns to respond and adapt creatively to external stimuli, i.e., new languages, and you can enjoy more music, art, cinema, literature, and even thought in both. It opens up a whole world of possibilities. Plus, this helps keep your brain engaged in productive, rewarding, and creativities activities no matter what your age, which is why we strongly recommend our language learning programs in Denver.


It lowers the risk of dementia

As stated already, learning a second language offers a major cognitive benefit in that it can offset conditions like dementia and its variant, Alzheimer’s. Learning languages helps you build your cognitive reserve, engage your mind, and focus on social and intellectual interaction. Not to mention it boosts your memory, retention, and focus significantly too.

 

 The benefits of doing so go far beyond any hesitation, limitation, or issues you might attribute to it. It’s definitely worth it! 

 

It’s never too late to learn a new language and gain the cognitive benefits that this process offers. You can connect with the team here at Journey Language Center, learning a new language at any age. We offer lessons in Spanish, French, and Italian, as well as German and Portuguese, and we have both beginner and immersive language courses that you can take online or in person. Get in touch with us to learn more about our language learning programs in Denver. Learn Italian in Denver, learn French in Denver, and explore the opportunities at Language Schools in Denver with Journey Language Center.