Multilingualism Associated with Up to 13‑Year Younger Brain Age

A multinational study of 728 residents of the Basque region examined brain ageing using magnetoencephalography and artificial‑intelligence analysis. Participants who spoke two languages had brains that appeared about six years younger than monolinguals, three languages about seven years younger, and four or more languages roughly 13 years younger.

The research, presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies conference in Barcelona, involved scientists from Spain, Chile, Argentina and Ireland. It also highlighted that higher language proficiency and early acquisition of a second language amplify the effect. Researchers noted that lifestyle factors such as reading, lifelong learning and musical activity could also contribute, and cautioned that the findings do not prove causation.

The study suggests that learning additional languages, especially early in life, may help maintain brain health and delay cognitive decline, supporting broader calls for lifelong language education.