Multilingualism Linked to Younger Brain Age, Study Shows

Researchers from the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language in San Sebastián examined brain activity in 728 participants using magnetoencephalography and applied an AI‑based brain‑age model. The analysis showed that multilingual speakers had estimated brain ages significantly lower than their chronological ages. Bilingual individuals appeared about six years younger, trilingual about seven years, and quadrilingual up to 13 years younger.

The team suggests that regularly switching between languages trains attention, memory and inhibitory control, which may preserve neural connectivity associated with youthful brain function. While the study controls for age, gender and education, other factors such as social interaction or overall mental activity could also play a role. The findings add to evidence that lifelong language use may have neuroprotective benefits.