Bilingualism and cognitive efficiency
A newly published research study by Shanna Kousaie (who teaches in the School of Psychology) and a team at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) indicates that bilingualism could help the brain become more efficient.
The findings show that the earlier a second language is acquired, the greater the benefits.The research team recorded the age study participants learned their second language and communication across regions in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results showed that bilingual participants had increased efficiency of communication between brain regions — stronger yet if the second language was learned at a young age.
Kousaie’s work with the MNI influenced the research she’s conducting in her uOttawa lab. Two ongoing studies are both related to bilingualism and its impact on cognition and the brain.
Using a combination of MRI and EEG technologies (the MNI study used MRI scanning only), the current work explores how bilingualism affects brain activity during tasks requiring executive function and working memory. Early findings suggest that the frequency of switching between languages may be an important factor enhancing cognition.
“We’re looking at electrical brain activity while our participants do various executive function tasks. We collect behavioural data and language background and bilingualism information to see if language experience differentially impacts verbal and non-verbal tasks,” says Kousaie.
“We collect behavioural data and language background and bilingualism information to see if language experience differentially impacts verbal and non-verbal tasks.”
Shanna Kousaie
— Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences
Language, cognition and neurodegeneration
Meanwhile, Taler, also of the School of Psychology, is studying how brain changes affect language function, particularly with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Taler says she loves language. “I’m fascinated with the brain and how brain changes can lead to changes in language.”
Part of Taler’s work examines the possible impact of bilingualism on cognitive processing and the potential of language tasks to detect early cognitive decline. For example, her research has found differences in how older adults and people with cognitive impairments perform on verbal fluency tasks. The results are providing insight into the progression of neurodegeneration.
Additionally, Taler’s work examines not only how bilingualism might contribute to cognitive reserve (the ability to maintain cognitive functioning), but also how social support might protect against cognitive decline. A bilingual person experiencing brain changes related to neurodegeneration or brain injury might have more cognitive reserve because they have learned a second language, which provides a type of “mental exercise” as the person manages their two languages throughout their life.
“Research has shown that social support helps to maintain cognitive function,” says Taler. “These results could be used to help guide policy with respect to the needs of older adults.”
“Research has shown that social support helps to maintain cognitive function. These results could be used to help guide policy with respect to the needs of older adults.”
Vanessa Taler
— Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences
A shared commitment to excellence
Despite their individual approaches, both researchers are exploring the impact of bilingualism on the brain. Together, their work contributes to the growing evidence that bilingualism is not only a linguistic skill, but also a tool for preserving brain health.
