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Cui AX, Kraeutner SN, Kepinska O, Motamed Yeganeh N, Hermiston N, Werker JF, Boyd LA. Musical Sophistication and Multilingualism: Effects on Arcuate Fasciculus Characteristics. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e70035. [PMID: 39360580 PMCID: PMC11447524 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.70035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The processing of auditory stimuli which are structured in time is thought to involve the arcuate fasciculus, the white matter tract which connects the temporal cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus. Research has indicated effects of both musical and language experience on the structural characteristics of the arcuate fasciculus. Here, we investigated in a sample of n = 84 young adults whether continuous conceptualizations of musical and multilingual experience related to structural characteristics of the arcuate fasciculus, measured using diffusion tensor imaging. Probabilistic tractography was used to identify the dorsal and ventral parts of the white matter tract. Linear regressions indicated that different aspects of musical sophistication related to the arcuate fasciculus' volume (emotional engagement with music), volumetric asymmetry (musical training and music perceptual abilities), and fractional anisotropy (music perceptual abilities). Our conceptualization of multilingual experience, accounting for participants' proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking different languages, was not related to the structural characteristics of the arcuate fasciculus. We discuss our results in the context of other research on hemispheric specializations and a dual-stream model of auditory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja-Xiaoxing Cui
- Department of Musicology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah N Kraeutner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olga Kepinska
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Negin Motamed Yeganeh
- Brain Behaviour Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nancy Hermiston
- School of Music, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janet F Werker
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lara A Boyd
- Brain Behaviour Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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2
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Midrigan-Ciochina L, Vodacek KP, Sewell C, Corina DP. A Comparison of White Matter Brain Differences in Monolingual and Highly Proficient Multilingual Speakers. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 5:497-527. [PMID: 38911457 PMCID: PMC11192512 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Language processing relies on the communication between brain regions that is achieved through several white matter tracts, part of the dorsal, ventral, and medial pathways involved in language processing and control (Coggins et al., 2004; Friederici & Gierhan, 2013; Hickok & Poeppel, 2007; Luk et al., 2011). While changes in white matter tract morphology have been reported as a function of second language learning in bilinguals, little is known about changes that may be present in multilanguage users. Here we investigate white matter morphometry in a group of highly proficient multilinguals, (individuals with proficiency in four or more languages), compared to a group of monolinguals. White matter morphometry was quantified using a fixel-based analysis (Raffelt et al., 2015; Raffelt et al., 2017; Tournier et al., 2007). Higher fiber cross-section and lower fiber density values were observed for the multilinguals, in the dorsal pathways (superior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus) and the ventral pathway, including the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and the uncinate fasciculus. Segments of the corpus callosum, the fornix, and the cortico-spinal tract showed decreases in all three morphometry measures for multilinguals. The findings suggest differential efficiencies in neural communication between domain-specific language regions and domain-general cognitive processes underlying multilingual language use. We discuss the results in relation to the bilingual Anterior to Posterior and Subcortical Shift (BAPSS) hypothesis (Grundy et al., 2017) and the Dynamic Restructuring Model (Pliatsikas, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Midrigan-Ciochina
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Linguistics and Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kayla P. Vodacek
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Sewell
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David P. Corina
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Linguistics and Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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3
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Yang J, Cao F, van Heuven WJB, Mei L. Editorial: Second language learning and neuroplasticity: individual differences. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1417238. [PMID: 38813565 PMCID: PMC11133865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1417238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Leilei Mei
- Philosophy and Social Science Laboratory of Reading and Development in Children and Adolescents (South China Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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Wang G, Tao L. Bilingual Language Control in the Brain: Evidence from Structural and Effective Functional Brain Connectivity. J Cogn Neurosci 2024; 36:836-853. [PMID: 38357989 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Experience in bilingual language control is often accompanied by changes in the structure and function of the brain. Brain structural changes are also often closely related to changes in functions. Previous studies, however, have not directly explored the relationship between structural connectivity and effective functional connectivity of the brain during bilingual language control, and whether the two types of connectivity are associated with behavioral performance of language control. Using behavioral performance, functional, and diffusion imaging techniques, we found that: (1) during language control, the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), left caudate nucleus (CN), inferior parietal lobe, precuneus, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC)/pre-SMA were significantly activated. (2) In the language control model with left dlPFC, dACC/pre-SMA, and left CN as ROIs (selected based on activation results and language control models from previous studies), stimuli first enter dACC/pre-SMA and then to left CN. At the left CN, a bidirectional effective connectivity is formed with left dlPFC. (3) There is a nonlinear relationship between effective connectivity during language control and the structural connectivity of the second language learners' brains. Specifically, the fiber density between dACC/pre-SMA and left dlPFC has a positive influence on the bidirectional effective connectivity between left dlPFC and left CN. Findings of the present study contribute evidence toward functional effective connectivity during bilingual language control; toward structural connectivity in the brains of second language learners; as well as toward nonlinear relationships between functional effective connectivity, structural connectivity, and behavioral performance in relation to bilingual language control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongting Wang
- East China Normal University
- Freie Universität Berlin
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Vega-Mendoza M, Norval RS, Blankinship B, Bak TH. Language Learning for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers: Feasibility and the Quality of Experience. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:717. [PMID: 38610141 PMCID: PMC11011596 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A body of research from around the world has reported positive effects of bilingualism on cognitive ageing and dementia. However, little is known about whether foreign language learning could be applied as an intervention for people already living with dementia. Yet, before it is possible to determine the efficacy of language courses as an intervention for people living with dementia (PLWD), it is necessary to establish whether such an intervention is feasible. Our study explored this possibility. METHODS We conducted an exploratory study to examine the feasibility and tolerability of 2-week Italian beginner courses for PLWD in early stages and their family carers in two Scottish Dementia Resource Centres (DRCs). The courses were delivered by trained tutors from Lingo Flamingo, a social enterprise specialising in language teaching for older learners and learners with dementia. Twelve PLWD and seven carers participated in the study. Focus groups preceded and followed the courses. Additional post-course open interviews with the DRC managers were conducted, with a follow-up via telephone approximately one year later. RESULTS Qualitative content analysis resulted in 12 themes, 5 reflected in the interview schedule and 7 arising from the focus groups and interviews. Overall, the courses were perceived positively by PLWD, carers, and DRC managers, although a few logistically and linguistically challenging aspects were also mentioned. The courses were found to positively impact both the individual by increasing self-esteem and producing a sense of accomplishment as well as the group by creating a sense of community. Notably, no adverse effects (in particular no confusion or frustration) were reported. CONCLUSION The positive outcomes of our study open a novel avenue for future research to explore foreign language training in dementia as an intervention and its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vega-Mendoza
- Psychology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; (B.B.); (T.H.B.)
| | | | - Brittany Blankinship
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; (B.B.); (T.H.B.)
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Thomas H. Bak
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; (B.B.); (T.H.B.)
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Anderson JAE, Yurtsever A, Fisher-Skau O, Cherep LA, MacPhee I, Luk G, Grundy JG. Examining the consistency in bilingualism and white matter research: A meta-analysis. Neuropsychologia 2024; 195:108801. [PMID: 38244768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between bilingualism, age, L2 onset age of acquisition (AoA), and white matter integrity (operationalized as fractional anisotropy, FA), addressing inconsistencies in the literature. We conducted a meta-analysis of 23 studies and used meta-regression models to assess the influence of age and L2AoA on effect sizes in studies comparing monolinguals and bilinguals. Even though the overall between-group effect size across the whole brain was unreliable, bilingualism was associated with increased white matter integrity in specific tracts and in groups with a limited range of age and L2AoA. Age had a small, negative effect on white matter integrity, with differences between monolinguals and bilinguals more pronounced in younger adults, consistent with a view of an initial increase in white matter integrity, followed by remodeling for efficiency over time. In contrast, later L2AoA was associated with greater white matter integrity in bilinguals than monolinguals, again consistent with the remodeling for efficiency model. Our findings highlight the importance of considering age and L2AoA when examining the neural basis of bilingualism on white matter in the brain and how bilingualism contributes to structural changes that stave off cognitive decline in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A E Anderson
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada.
| | | | - Odin Fisher-Skau
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | | | - Imola MacPhee
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Gigi Luk
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Canada
| | - John G Grundy
- Iowa State University, Department of Psychology, USA
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Ronderos J, Zuk J, Hernandez AE, Vaughn KA. Large-scale investigation of white matter structural differences in bilingual and monolingual children: An adolescent brain cognitive development data study. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26608. [PMID: 38339899 PMCID: PMC10836175 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging research has provided valuable insights into the structural characteristics of the bilingual brain from studies of bilingual adults; however, there is a dearth of evidence examining brain structural alterations in childhood associated with the bilingual experience. This study examined the associations between bilingualism and white matter organization in bilingual children compared to monolingual peers leveraging the large-scale data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Then, 446 bilingual children (ages 9-10) were identified from the participants in the ABCD data and rigorously matched to a group of 446 monolingual peers. Multiple regression models for selected language and cognitive control white matter pathways were used to compare white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) values between bilinguals and monolinguals, controlling for demographic and environmental factors as covariates in the models. Results revealed significantly lower FA values in bilinguals compared to monolinguals across established dorsal and ventral language network pathways bilaterally (i.e., the superior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus) and right-hemispheric pathways in areas related to cognitive control and short-term memory (i.e., cingulum and parahippocampal cingulum). In contrast to the enhanced FA values observed in adult bilinguals relative to monolinguals, our findings of lower FA in bilingual children relative to monolinguals may suggest a protracted development of white matter pathways associated with language and cognitive control resulting from dual language learning in childhood. Further, these findings underscore the need for large-scale longitudinal investigation of white matter development in bilingual children to understand neuroplasticity associated with the bilingual experience during this period of heightened language learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Ronderos
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jennifer Zuk
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Kelly A. Vaughn
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Texas Health Sciences Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
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DeLuca V, Voits T, Ni J, Carter F, Rahman F, Mazaheri A, Krott A, Segaert K. Mapping individual aspects of bilingual experience to adaptations in brain structure. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae029. [PMID: 38365272 PMCID: PMC10872681 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in using multiple languages are thought to differentially affect brain structure and function. The present study assessed the neuroanatomical predictions of an emerging theory, the Unifying the Bilingual Experience Trajectories framework, which provides the most comprehensive set of predictions of how individual differences in bilingual experiences lead to specific neural and cognitive adaptations. A total of 140 young adults with variable language experiences were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging and completed demographic questionnaires. Brain structure measures implicated in predictions of the Unifying the Bilingual Experience Trajectories model were extracted and regressed against the model's experiential factors. Consistent with the model's predictions, greater intensity and diversity of bilingual language use resulted in changes in gray matter volume in cortical regions involved in executive control (including inferior frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, angular gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus), indicating adaptations toward handling increased executive control demands. Conversely, duration of bilingual engagement resulted in changes within white matter microstructure (bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus) and increases in subcortical gray matter (left caudate), indicative of adaptations toward increased efficiency of control. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of how bilingual experiences influence brain structure and provides the first direct empirical evidence for the predictions made by the Unifying the Bilingual Experience Trajectories framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent DeLuca
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso 9019, Norway
| | - Toms Voits
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso 9019, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Jianzhang Ni
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2SA, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Felix Carter
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, United Kingdom
| | - Foyzul Rahman
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2SA, United Kingdom
- College of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, B4 7BD, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Mazaheri
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2SA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Krott
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2SA, United Kingdom
| | - Katrien Segaert
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2SA, United Kingdom
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Wei X, Gunter TC, Adamson H, Schwendemann M, Friederici AD, Goucha T, Anwander A. White matter plasticity during second language learning within and across hemispheres. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2306286121. [PMID: 38175869 PMCID: PMC10786292 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306286121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult second language (L2) learning is a challenging enterprise inducing neuroplastic changes in the human brain. However, it remains unclear how the structural language connectome and its subnetworks change during adult L2 learning. The current study investigated longitudinal changes in white matter (WM) language networks in each hemisphere, as well as their interconnection, in a large group of Arabic-speaking adults who learned German intensively for 6 mo. We found a significant increase in WM-connectivity within bilateral temporal-parietal semantic and phonological subnetworks and right temporal-frontal pathways mainly in the second half of the learning period. At the same time, WM-connectivity between the two hemispheres decreased significantly. Crucially, these changes in WM-connectivity are correlated with L2 performance. The observed changes in subnetworks of the two hemispheres suggest a network reconfiguration due to lexical learning. The reduced interhemispheric connectivity may indicate a key role of the corpus callosum in L2 learning by reducing the inhibition of the language-dominant left hemisphere. Our study highlights the dynamic changes within and across hemispheres in adult language-related networks driven by L2 learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehu Wei
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Thomas C. Gunter
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Helyne Adamson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwendemann
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Angela D. Friederici
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Tomás Goucha
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
| | - Alfred Anwander
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig04103, Germany
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Stasenko A, Kaestner E, Arienzo D, Schadler A, Reyes A, Shih JJ, Helm JL, Połczyńska M, McDonald CR. Bilingualism and Structural Network Organization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Resilience in Neurologic Disease. Neurology 2023; 100:e1887-e1899. [PMID: 36854619 PMCID: PMC10159767 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is growing evidence that bilingualism can induce neuroplasticity and modulate neural efficiency, resulting in greater resistance to neurologic disease. However, whether bilingualism is beneficial to neural health in the presence of epilepsy is unknown. We tested whether bilingual individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have improved whole-brain structural white matter network organization. METHODS Healthy controls and individuals with TLE recruited from 2 specialized epilepsy centers completed diffusion-weighted MRI and neuropsychological testing as part of an observational cohort study. Whole-brain connectomes were generated via diffusion tractography and analyzed using graph theory. Global analyses compared network integration (path length) and specialization (transitivity) in TLE vs controls and in a 2 (left vs right TLE) × 2 (bilingual vs monolingual) model. Local analyses compared mean local efficiency of predefined frontal-executive and language (i.e., perisylvian) subnetworks. Exploratory correlations examined associations between network organization and neuropsychological performance. RESULTS A total of 29 bilingual and 88 monolingual individuals with TLE matched on several demographic and clinical variables and 81 age-matched healthy controls were included. Globally, a significant interaction between language status and side of seizure onset revealed higher network organization in bilinguals compared with monolinguals but only in left TLE (LTLE). Locally, bilinguals with LTLE showed higher efficiency in frontal-executive but not in perisylvian networks compared with LTLE monolinguals. Improved whole-brain network organization was associated with better executive function performance in bilingual but not monolingual LTLE. DISCUSSION Higher white matter network organization in bilingual individuals with LTLE suggests a neuromodulatory effect of bilingualism on whole-brain connectivity in epilepsy, providing evidence for neural reserve. This may reflect attenuation of or compensation for epilepsy-related dysfunction of the left hemisphere, potentially driven by increased efficiency of frontal-executive networks that mediate dual-language control. This highlights a potential role of bilingualism as a protective factor in epilepsy, motivating further research across neurologic disorders to define mechanisms and develop interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Stasenko
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Erik Kaestner
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Donatello Arienzo
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Adam Schadler
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Anny Reyes
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jerry J Shih
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jonathan L Helm
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Monika Połczyńska
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Carrie R McDonald
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles.
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Wei X, Adamson H, Schwendemann M, Goucha T, Friederici AD, Anwander A. Native language differences in the structural connectome of the human brain. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119955. [PMID: 36805092 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Is the neuroanatomy of the language structural connectome modulated by the life-long experience of speaking a specific language? The current study compared the brain white matter connections of the language and speech production network in a large cohort of 94 native speakers of two very different languages: an Indo-European morphosyntactically complex language (German) and a Semitic root-based language (Arabic). Using high-resolution diffusion-weighted MRI and tractography-based network statistics of the language connectome, we demonstrated that German native speakers exhibited stronger connectivity in an intra-hemispheric frontal to parietal/temporal dorsal language network, known to be associated with complex syntax processing. In comparison, Arabic native speakers showed stronger connectivity in the connections between semantic language regions, including the left temporo-parietal network, and stronger inter-hemispheric connections via the posterior corpus callosum connecting bilateral superior temporal and inferior parietal regions. The current study suggests that the structural language connectome develops and is modulated by environmental factors such as the characteristic processing demands of the native language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehu Wei
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Helyne Adamson
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwendemann
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tomás Goucha
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Angela D Friederici
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alfred Anwander
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Department of Neuropsychology, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Eierud C, Michael A, Banks D, Andrews E. Resting-state functional connectivity in lifelong musicians. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad003. [PMID: 38666119 PMCID: PMC10917383 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background It has been postulated that musicianship can lead to enhanced brain and cognitive reserve, but the neural mechanisms of this effect have been poorly understood. Lifelong professional musicianship in conjunction with novel brain imaging techniques offers a unique opportunity to examine brain network differences between musicians and matched controls. Objective In this study we aim to investigate how resting-state functional networks (FNs) manifest in lifelong active musicians. We will evaluate the FNs of lifelong musicians and matched healthy controls using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Methods We derive FNs using the data-driven independent component analysis approach and analyze the functional network connectivity (FNC) between the default mode (DMN), sensory-motor (SMN), visual (VSN), and auditory (AUN) networks. We examine whether the linear regressions between FNC and age are different between the musicians and the control group. Results The age trajectory of average FNC across all six pairs of FNs shows significant differences between musicians and controls. Musicians show an increase in average FNC with age while controls show a decrease (P = 0.013). When we evaluated each pair of FN, we note that in musicians FNC values increased with age in DMN-AUN, DMN-VSN, and SMN-VSN and in controls FNC values decreased with age in DMN-AUN, DMN-SMN, AUN-SMN, and SMN-VSN. Conclusion This result provides early evidence that lifelong musicianship may contribute to enhanced brain and cognitive reserve. Results of this study are preliminary and need to be replicated with a larger number of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Eierud
- Linguistics Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Andrew Michael
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - David Banks
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Edna Andrews
- Linguistics Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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13
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González DA, Soble JR, Bailey KC, Bain KM, Marceaux JC. Subcortical lesions impact confrontation naming in bilinguals with later age of acquisition: An exploratory study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023; 30:269-277. [PMID: 34100678 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1934682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The bilingual experience is believed to impact brain development and, possibly, cognitive performance. Subcortical structures, including the striatum and white matter, are believed related to confrontation naming performance among bilingual individuals with later age of acquisition (AoA) and lower proficiency of a second language (L2). However, these findings are primarily derived from healthy adult samples, although there is clinical significance for the interpretation of naming performance. The present study examined whether striatal and white matter lesions were associated with naming tasks in clinic-referred bilingual veterans (n = 29) and whether L2 AoA moderated this relationship. Clinically rated lesions, without regard for AoA, were not consistently correlated with naming performance. Moderation models (lesion × AoA) were significant across naming tasks (i.e., naming scores were negatively correlated with striatal lesions with increasing AoA). Effect sizes were higher among striatal models as compared to white matter models. Results extend prior neuroimaging findings with healthy bilinguals that AoA moderates the relationship between subcortical lesions and naming performance in bilingual patients, and suggests that clinicians should consider specifics of bilingual experience when interpreting test scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Andrés González
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jason R Soble
- Department of Neurology & Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Chase Bailey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen M Bain
- Psychology Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Janice C Marceaux
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Psychology Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
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14
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Calvo N, Grundy JG, Bialystok E. Bilingualism modulates neural efficiency at rest through alpha reactivity. Neuropsychologia 2023; 180:108486. [PMID: 36657519 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate how resting state EEG rhythms reflect attentional processes and bilingual experience. We compared alpha and beta rhythms for monolingual and bilingual young adults in eyes open and eyes closed conditions using EEG measures of frequency power, reactivity, and coherence. Power shows the amount of brain activity at a given frequency band; reactivity indexes the desynchronization of neuronal activity when individuals open their eyes at rest; and coherence indicates the brain regions that have correlated activity. The results showed that bilinguals had similar alpha power as monolinguals in both resting conditions but less alpha reactivity across the whole scalp. There was also more focused activation for bilinguals expressed as more coherence in posterior electrodes, particularly when eyes were opened to direct attention. For beta, there were no group differences in power or reactivity, but there was higher coherence for monolinguals than bilinguals, a pattern consistent with previous literature showing that beta frequency was related to language learning and native language proficiency. These results are in line with a neural efficiency theory and suggest that bilinguals have a more efficient brain for attentional mechanisms than monolinguals at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Calvo
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John G Grundy
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ellen Bialystok
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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15
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Sander K, Chai X, Barbeau EB, Kousaie S, Petrides M, Baum S, Klein D. Interhemispheric functional brain connectivity predicts new language learning success in adults. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:1217-1229. [PMID: 35348627 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating interhemispheric interactions between homologous cortical regions during language processing is of interest. Despite prevalent left hemisphere lateralization of language, the right hemisphere also plays an important role and interhemispheric connectivity is influenced by language experience and is implicated in second language (L2) acquisition. Regions involved in language processing have differential connectivity to other cortical regions and to each other, and play specific roles in language. We examined the interhemispheric interactions of subregions of the inferior frontal gyrus (areas 44 and 45), the adjacent area 9/46v in the middle frontal gyrus, the superior temporal gyrus (STG), and the posterior inferior parietal lobule (pIPL) in relation to distinct and specific aspects of L2 learning success. The results indicated that the connectivity between left and right areas 44 and 9/46v predicted improvement in sentence repetition, connectivity between left and right area 45 and mid-STG predicted improvement in auditory comprehension, and connectivity between left and right pIPL predicted improvement in reading speed. We show interhemispheric interactions in the specific context of facilitating performance in adult L2 acquisition that follow an anterior to posterior gradient in the brain, and are consistent with the respective roles of these regions in language processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaija Sander
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada
| | - Xiaoqian Chai
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada.,McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Elise B Barbeau
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada
| | - Shanna Kousaie
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Michael Petrides
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Shari Baum
- Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada.,School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Denise Klein
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.,Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music (CRBLM), Montréal, QC H3G 2A8, Canada
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16
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Mendez MF. Can Speaking More Than One Language Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease? J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:363-377. [PMID: 37545240 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurocognitive disorder that is epidemic in the elderly population. Currently, there are limited pharmacological interventions, and this has heightened the urgency to identify potential preventable or modifiable risk factors that promote resilience to the neuropathological effects of AD. The regular use of two or more languages is one such factor that may increases cognitive reserve through the long-standing executive control involved in managing multiple languages in the brain. There is also evidence that bilingualism is associated with increased brain reserve or maintenance, particularly in frontal-executive structures and networks. This review examines the current, sometimes conflicting literature on bi/multilingualism and AD. These studies have confounding variations in the assessment of age of second language onset, language proficiency, language usage, and whether determining incidence of AD or age of symptom onset. Despite these limitations, most publications support the presence of increased frontal-executive reserve that compensates for the development of AD neuropathology and, thereby, delays the emergence of clinical symptoms of dementia by about 4-5 years. Although regularly speaking more than one language does not protect against AD neuropathology, the delay in its clinical expression has a potentially significant impact on the lifelong morbidity from this age-related disease. Learning other languages may be an important modifiable factor for delaying the clinical expression of AD in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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17
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Quartarone C, Navarrete E, Budisavljević S, Peressotti F. Exploring the ventral white matter language network in bimodal and unimodal bilinguals. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2022; 235:105187. [PMID: 36244164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2022.105187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography to investigate the effect of language modality on the anatomy of the ventral white matter language network by comparing unimodal (Italian/English) and bimodal bilinguals (Italian/Italian Sign Language). We extracted the diffusion tractography measures of the Inferior Longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), Uncinate fasciculus (UF) and Inferior Fronto-Occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and we correlated them with the degree of bilingualism and the individual performance in fluency tasks. For both groups of bilinguals, the microstructural properties of the right ILF were correlated with individual level of proficiency in L2, confirming the involvement of this tract in bilingualism. In addition, we found that the degree of left lateralization of the ILF predicted the performance in semantic fluency in L1. The microstructural properties of the right UF correlated with performance in phonological fluency in L1, only for bimodal bilinguals. Overall, the pattern shows both similarities and differences between the two groups of bilinguals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Quartarone
- Dipartimento di Psicologia dello Sviluppo e della Socializzazione - University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35137 Padova, Italy
| | - Eduardo Navarrete
- Dipartimento di Psicologia dello Sviluppo e della Socializzazione - University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35137 Padova, Italy
| | - Sanja Budisavljević
- School of Medicine, St. Andrews University, College Gate, St Andrews KY16, 9AJ, UK
| | - Francesca Peressotti
- Dipartimento di Psicologia dello Sviluppo e della Socializzazione - University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35137 Padova, Italy.
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18
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Filley CM. White matter dementia then… and now. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1043583. [PMID: 36479053 PMCID: PMC9721363 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1043583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
White matter dementia (WMD) is a concept introduced in 1988 to highlight the importance of white matter pathology in producing cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Whereas gray matter, particularly the cerebral cortex, has been primarily investigated in the dementias, subcortical pathology has long been correlated with cognitive loss, and a corticocentric perspective cannot account for the full range of neurobehavioral disorders. Within the subcortical regions, white matter is prominent, accounting for about half the volume of the adult brain, and many white matter diseases, injuries, and intoxications can produce cognitive dysfunction so severe as to justify the term dementia. Recognition of this novel syndrome relied heavily on the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that permitted in vivo visualization of white matter lesions. Neuropsychological studies clarified the clinical presentation of WMD by identifying a profile dominated by cognitive slowing and executive dysfunction, and a precursor syndrome of mild cognitive dysfunction was proposed to identify early cognitive impairment that may later evolve to WMD. As knowledge advanced, the role of white matter in structural connectivity within distributed neural networks was elucidated. In addition, highlighting the frequent commingling of gray and white matter involvement, white matter pathology was associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with potentially transformative clinical implications. In particular, preventive measures and treatments exploiting white matter restoration and plasticity are gaining much attention. Today, WMD has matured into a concept that not only integrates knowledge from across the spectrum of clinical neuroscience, but also informs new investigations into many perplexing disorders and enables a more complete understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Filley
- Behavioral Neurology Section, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Marcus Institute for Brain Health, Aurora, CO, United States
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19
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Menks WM, Ekerdt C, Janzen G, Kidd E, Lemhöfer K, Fernández G, McQueen JM. Study protocol: a comprehensive multi-method neuroimaging approach to disentangle developmental effects and individual differences in second language learning. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:169. [PMID: 35804430 PMCID: PMC9270835 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is well established that second language (L2) learning success changes with age and across individuals, the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for this developmental shift and these individual differences are largely unknown. We will study the behavioral and neural factors that subserve new grammar and word learning in a large cross-sectional developmental sample. This study falls under the NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [Dutch Research Council]) Language in Interaction consortium (website: https://www.languageininteraction.nl/ ). METHODS We will sample 360 healthy individuals across a broad age range between 8 and 25 years. In this paper, we describe the study design and protocol, which involves multiple study visits covering a comprehensive behavioral battery and extensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols. On the basis of these measures, we will create behavioral and neural fingerprints that capture age-based and individual variability in new language learning. The behavioral fingerprint will be based on first and second language proficiency, memory systems, and executive functioning. We will map the neural fingerprint for each participant using the following MRI modalities: T1-weighted, diffusion-weighted, resting-state functional MRI, and multiple functional-MRI paradigms. With respect to the functional MRI measures, half of the sample will learn grammatical features and half will learn words of a new language. Combining all individual fingerprints allows us to explore the neural maturation effects on grammar and word learning. DISCUSSION This will be one of the largest neuroimaging studies to date that investigates the developmental shift in L2 learning covering preadolescence to adulthood. Our comprehensive approach of combining behavioral and neuroimaging data will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms influencing this developmental shift and individual differences in new language learning. We aim to answer: (I) do these fingerprints differ according to age and can these explain the age-related differences observed in new language learning? And (II) which aspects of the behavioral and neural fingerprints explain individual differences (across and within ages) in grammar and word learning? The results of this study provide a unique opportunity to understand how the development of brain structure and function influence new language learning success.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Menks
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - C Ekerdt
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G Janzen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - E Kidd
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, Canberra, Australia
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - K Lemhöfer
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J M McQueen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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20
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Xu X, Jin Y, Pan N, Cao M, Jing J, Ma J, Fan X, Tan S, Song X, Li X. A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study on the White Matter Structures Related to the Phonology in Cantonese-Mandarin Bilinguals. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:851669. [PMID: 35601910 PMCID: PMC9120590 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.851669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantonese and Mandarin are logographic languages, and the phonology is the main difference between the two languages. It is unclear whether the long-term experience of Cantonese-Mandarin bilingualism will shape different brain white matter structures related to phonological processing. A total of 30 Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals and 30 Mandarin monolinguals completed diffusion-weighted imaging scan and phonological processing tasks. The tractography and tract-based spatial statistics were used to investigate the structural differences in the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) between Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals and Mandarin monolinguals. The post-hoc correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the different structures with phonological processing skills. Compared to the Mandarin monolinguals, the Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals had higher fractional anisotropy (FA) along the left ILFs higher mean diffusivity (MD) along the right IFOF and the temporoparietal segment of SLF (tSLF), higher axial diffusivity (AD) in the right IFOF and left ILF, and lower number of streamlines in the bilateral tSLF. The mean AD of the different voxels in the right IFOF and the mean FA of the different voxels in the left ILF were positively correlated with the inverse efficiency score (IES) of the Cantonese auditory and Mandarin visual rhyming judgment tasks, respectively, within the bilingual group. The correlation between FA and IES was different among the groups. The long-term experience of Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals shapes the different brain white matter structures in tSLF, IFOF, and ILF. Compared to the monolinguals, the bilinguals' white matter showed higher diffusivity, especially in the axonal direction. These changes were related to bilinguals' phonological processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Jin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Pan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muqing Cao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Wuhan Children’s Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Tan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Taylor C, Hall S, Manivannan S, Mundil N, Border S. The neuroanatomical consequences and pathological implications of bilingualism. J Anat 2022; 240:410-427. [PMID: 34486112 PMCID: PMC8742975 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of people who are able to speak two or more languages. This has been paralleled by an increase in research related to bilingualism. Despite this, much of the neuroanatomical consequences and pathological implications of bilingualism are still subject to discussion. This review aims to evaluate the neuroanatomical structures related to language and to the acquisition of a second language as well as exploring how learning a second language can alter one's susceptibility to and the progression of certain cerebral pathologies. A literature search was conducted on the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A total of 137 articles regarding the neuroanatomical or pathological implications of bilingualism were included for review. Following analysis of the included papers, this review finds that bilingualism induces significant gray and white matter cerebral changes, particularly in the frontal lobes, anterior cingulate cortex, left inferior parietal lobule and subcortical areas, and that native language and acquired language largely recruit the same neuroanatomical structures with however, subtle functional and anatomical differences dependent on proficiency and age of language acquisition. There is adequate evidence to suggest that bilingualism offsets the symptoms and diagnosis of dementia, and that it is protective against both pathological and age-related cognitive decline. While many of the neuroanatomical changes are known, more remains to be elucidated and the relationship between bilingualism and other neurological pathologies remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Taylor
- Centre for Learning Anatomical SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Samuel Hall
- Centre for Learning Anatomical SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | - Susruta Manivannan
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | - Nilesh Mundil
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | - Scott Border
- Centre for Learning Anatomical SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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22
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Predicting multilingual effects on executive function and individual connectomes in children: An ABCD study. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110811118. [PMID: 34845019 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110811118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While there is a substantial amount of work studying multilingualism's effect on cognitive functions, little is known about how the multilingual experience modulates the brain as a whole. In this study, we analyzed data of over 1,000 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to examine whether monolinguals and multilinguals differ in executive function, functional brain connectivity, and brain-behavior associations. We observed significantly better performance from multilingual children than monolinguals in working-memory tasks. In one finding, we were able to classify multilinguals from monolinguals using only their whole-brain functional connectome at rest and during an emotional n-back task. Compared to monolinguals, the multilingual group had different functional connectivity mainly in the occipital lobe and subcortical areas during the emotional n-back task and in the occipital lobe and prefrontal cortex at rest. In contrast, we did not find any differences in behavioral performance and functional connectivity when performing a stop-signal task. As a second finding, we investigated the degree to which behavior is reflected in the brain by implementing a connectome-based behavior prediction approach. The multilingual group showed a significant correlation between observed and connectome-predicted individual working-memory performance scores, while the monolingual group did not show any correlations. Overall, our observations suggest that multilingualism enhances executive function and reliably modulates the corresponding brain functional connectome, distinguishing multilinguals from monolinguals even at the developmental stage.
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Pereira Soares SM, Kubota M, Rossi E, Rothman J. Determinants of bilingualism predict dynamic changes in resting state EEG oscillations. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2021; 223:105030. [PMID: 34634607 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2021.105030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study uses resting state EEG data from 103 bilinguals to understand how determinants of bilingualism may reshape the mind/brain. Participants completed the LSBQ, which quantifies language use and crucially the division of labor of dual-language use in diverse activities and settings over the lifespan. We hypothesized correlations between the degree of active bilingualism with power of neural oscillations in specific frequency bands. Moreover, we anticipated levels of mean coherence (connectivity between brain regions) to vary by degree of bilingual language experience. Results demonstrated effects of Age of L2/2L1 onset on high beta and gamma powers. Higher usage of the non-societal language at home and society modulated indices of functional connectivity in theta, alpha and gamma frequencies. Results add to the emerging literature on the neuromodulatory effects of bilingualism for rs-EEG, and are in line with claims that bilingualism effects are modulated by degree of engagement with dual-language experiential factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maki Kubota
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | | | - Jason Rothman
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Centro de Ciencia Cognitiva, Universidad Antonio De Nebrija, Spain.
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de Bruin A, Dick AS, Carreiras M. Clear Theories Are Needed to Interpret Differences: Perspectives on the Bilingual Advantage Debate. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2021; 2:433-451. [PMID: 37214628 PMCID: PMC10158573 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The heated debate regarding bilingual cognitive advantages remains ongoing. While there are many studies supporting positive cognitive effects of bilingualism, recent meta-analyses have concluded that there is no consistent evidence for a bilingual advantage. In this article we focus on several theoretical concerns. First, we discuss changes in theoretical frameworks, which have led to the development of insufficiently clear theories and hypotheses that are difficult to falsify. Next, we discuss the development of looking at bilingual experiences and the need to better understand language control. Last, we argue that the move from behavioural studies to a focus on brain plasticity is not going to solve the debate on cognitive effects, especially not when brain changes are interpreted in the absence of behavioural differences. Clearer theories on both behavioural and neural effects of bilingualism are needed. However, to achieve this, a solid understanding of both bilingualism and executive functions is needed first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela de Bruin
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Anthony Steven Dick
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Manuel Carreiras
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Yazbek S, Hage S, Mallak I, Smayra T. Tractography of the arcuate fasciculus in healthy right-handed and left-handed multilingual subjects and its relation to language lateralization on functional MRI. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20936. [PMID: 34686728 PMCID: PMC8536719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional MRI (fMRI) enables evaluation of language cortical organization and plays a central role in surgical planning. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) or Tractography, allows evaluation of the white matter fibers involved in language. Unlike fMRI, DTI does not rely on the patient’s cooperation. In monolinguals, there is a significant correlation between the lateralization of language on fMRI and on DTI. Our objective is to delineate the arcuate fasciculus (AF) in right- and left-handed trilinguals and determine if the AF laterality on DTI is correlated to language lateralization on fMRI. 15 right and 15 left-handed trilingual volunteers underwent fMRI and DTI. Laterality Index was determined on fMRI (fMRI-LI). Mean Diffusivity, Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Number of Fibers, Fiber Length, Fiber Volume and Laterality Index (DTI-LI) of the AF were calculated on DTI. 28 of the 30 subjects presented a bilateral AF. Most subjects (52%) were found to have a bilateral language lateralization of the AF on DTI. Only 4 subjects had bilateral lateralization of language on fMRI. The right AF demonstrated lower diffusivity than the left AF in the total participants, the right-handed, and the left-handed subjects. FA, Volume and Length of the AF were not significantly different between the two hemispheres. No correlation was found between the DTI-LI of the AF and the fMRI-LI. A prominent role of the right AF and a bilateral structural organization of the AF was present in our multilingual population regardless of their handedness. While in prior studies DTI was able to determine language lateralization in monolingual subjects, this was not possible in trilingual highly educated subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Yazbek
- Medical School, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Boulevard Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, PO Box 166830, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephanie Hage
- Medical School, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Boulevard Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, PO Box 166830, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iyad Mallak
- Medical School, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Boulevard Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, PO Box 166830, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Smayra
- Medical School, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Boulevard Alfred Naccache, Achrafieh, PO Box 166830, Beirut, Lebanon.
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The Critical Period Hypothesis for L2 Acquisition: An Unfalsifiable Embarrassment? LANGUAGES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/languages6030149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on the uncertainty surrounding the issue of the Critical Period Hypothesis. It puts forward the case that, with regard to naturalistic situations, the hypothesis has the status of both “not proven” and unfalsified. The article analyzes a number of reasons for this situation, including the effects of multi-competence, which remove any possibility that competence in more than one language can ever be identical to monolingual competence. With regard to the formal instructional setting, it points to many decades of research showing that, as critical period advocates acknowledge, in a normal schooling situation, adolescent beginners in the long run do as well as younger beginners. The article laments the profusion of definitions of what the critical period for language actually is and the generally piecemeal nature of research into this important area. In particular, it calls for a fuller integration of recent neurolinguistic perspectives into discussion of the age factor in second language acquisition research.
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Fedeli D, Del Maschio N, Sulpizio S, Rothman J, Abutalebi J. The bilingual structural connectome: Dual-language experiential factors modulate distinct cerebral networks. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2021; 220:104978. [PMID: 34171596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2021.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism is a natural laboratory for studying whether the brain's structural connectome is influenced by different aspects of language experience. However, evidence on how distinct components of bilingual experience may contribute to structural brain adaptations is mixed. The lack of consistency, however, may depend, at least in part, on methodological choices in data acquisition and processing. Herein, we adopted the Network Neuroscience framework to investigate how individual differences in second language (L2) exposure, proficiency, and age of acquisition (AoA) - measured as continuous between-subject variables - relate to whole-brain structural organization. We observed that L2 exposure modulated the connectivity of two networks of regions subserving language comprehension and production. L2 proficiency was associated with enhanced connectivity within a rostro-caudal network, which supports language selection and word learning. Moreover, L2 AoA and exposure affected inter-hemispheric communication between control-related regions. These findings expand mechanistic knowledge about particular environmental factors associated with specific variation in brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Fedeli
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics, Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy
| | - Nicola Del Maschio
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics, Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy
| | - Simone Sulpizio
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Jason Rothman
- The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jubin Abutalebi
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics, Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy; The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Cespón J. Neural Processing Underlying Executive Functions in Bilinguals: "Heads I Win, Tails You Lose". Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:710905. [PMID: 34421564 PMCID: PMC8373519 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.710905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cespón
- Basque Centre on Cognition, Brain and Language, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
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Macbeth A, Higby E, Atagi N, Chiarello C. Evidence for cognitive and brain reserve supporting executive control of memory in lifelong bilinguals. Neuropsychologia 2021; 160:107958. [PMID: 34273380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent bilingualism research attempts to understand whether continually controlling multiple languages provides domain-general benefits to other aspects of cognition. Yet little attention has been given to whether this extends to resistance to proactive interference (PI), which involves the filtering of irrelevant memory traces in order to focus attention on relevant to-be-remembered information. The present study sought to determine whether bilingualism provides benefits to resistance to PI performance and brain structure in regions supporting executive control of memory. Eighty-two younger and older adult participants, half English monolinguals and half highly proficient Spanish-English bilinguals, completed directed forgetting and release from PI tasks and underwent an MRI scan that measured cortical volume, thickness, and white matter integrity. While behavioral performance between bilinguals and monolinguals did not differ, bilinguals displayed thinner cortex in brain regions related to resistance to PI, providing evidence for cognitive reserve, and showed positive relationships between white matter integrity and resistance to PI performance, indicative of brain reserve. This study is the first to demonstrate cognitive reserve and brain reserve in different brain structure indices within the same healthy participants and suggests that bilingualism supports important structural relationships between regions necessary for executive control of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Macbeth
- Department of Psychology, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, 91702, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Eve Higby
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, 94542, USA
| | - Natsuki Atagi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Christine Chiarello
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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Kornisch M. Bilinguals who stutter: A cognitive perspective. JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 2021; 67:105819. [PMID: 33296800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2020.105819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain differences, both in structure and executive functioning, have been found in both developmental stuttering and bilingualism. However, the etiology of stuttering remains unknown. The early suggestion that stuttering is a result of brain dysfunction has since received support from various behavioral and neuroimaging studies that have revealed functional and structural brain changes in monolinguals who stutter (MWS). In addition, MWS appear to show deficits in executive control. However, there is a lack of data on bilinguals who stutter (BWS). This literature review is intended to provide an overview of both stuttering and bilingualism as well as synthesize areas of overlap among both lines of research and highlight knowledge gaps in the current literature. METHODS A systematic literature review on both stuttering and bilingualism studies was conducted, searching for articles containing "stuttering" and/or "bilingualism" and either "brain", "executive functions", "executive control", "motor control", "cognitive reserve", or "brain reserve" in the PubMed database. Additional studies were found by examining the reference list of studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 148 references that met the criteria for inclusion in this paper were used in the review. A comparison of the impact of stuttering or bilingualism on the brain are discussed. CONCLUSION Previous research examining a potential bilingual advantage for BWS is mixed. However, if such an advantage does exist, it appears to offset potential deficits in executive functioning that may be associated with stuttering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Kornisch
- The University of Mississippi, School of Applied Sciences, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2301 South Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655, United States.
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Tao L, Wang G, Zhu M, Cai Q. Bilingualism and domain-general cognitive functions from a neural perspective: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:264-295. [PMID: 33631315 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A large body of research has indicated that bilingualism - through continual practice in language control - may impact cognitive functions, as well as relevant aspects of brain function and structure. The present review aimed to bring together findings on the relationship between bilingualism and domain-general cognitive functions from a neural perspective. The final sample included 210 studies, covering findings regarding neural responses to bilingual language control and/or domain-general cognitive tasks, as well as findings regarding effects of bilingualism on non-task-related brain function and brain structure. The evidence indicates that a) bilingual language control likely entails neural mechanisms responsible for domain-general cognitive functions; b) bilingual experiences impact neural responses to domain-general cognitive functions; and c) bilingual experiences impact non-task-related brain function (both resting-state and metabolic function) as well as aspects of brain structure (both macrostructure and microstructure), each of which may in turn impact mental processes, including domain-general cognitive functions. Such functional and structural neuroplasticity associated with bilingualism may contribute to both cognitive and neural reserves, producing benefits across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Tao
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (MOE & STCSM), Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, China
| | - Gongting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (MOE & STCSM), Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (MOE & STCSM), Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, China
| | - Qing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (MOE & STCSM), Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, China; Institute of Brain and Education Innovation, East China Normal University, China; NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, New York University Shanghai, China.
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Effects of Lifelong Musicianship on White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Brain Reserve. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11010067. [PMID: 33419228 PMCID: PMC7825624 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a significant body of research that has identified specific, high-end cognitive demand activities and lifestyles that may play a role in building cognitive brain reserve, including volume changes in gray matter and white matter, increased structural connectivity, and enhanced categorical perception. While normal aging produces trends of decreasing white matter (WM) integrity, research on cognitive brain reserve suggests that complex sensory–motor activities across the life span may slow down or reverse these trends. Previous research has focused on structural and functional changes to the human brain caused by training and experience in both linguistic (especially bilingualism) and musical domains. The current research uses diffusion tensor imaging to examine the integrity of subcortical white matter fiber tracts in lifelong musicians. Our analysis, using Tortoise and ICBM-81, reveals higher fractional anisotropy, an indicator of greater WM integrity, in aging musicians in bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculi and bilateral uncinate fasciculi. Statistical methods used include Fisher’s method and linear regression analysis. Another unique aspect of this study is the accompanying behavioral performance data for each participant. This is one of the first studies to look specifically at musicianship across the life span and its impact on bilateral WM integrity in aging.
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LeBlanc J, Seresova A, Laberge-Poirier A, Tabet S, Alturki AY, Feyz M, de Guise E. Cognitive-communication performance following mild traumatic brain injury: Influence of sex, age, education, site of lesion and bilingualism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2021; 56:130-144. [PMID: 33368845 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous research studies have defined several prognostic factors that affect cognitive-communication performance in patients with all traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity, little is known about what variables are associated with cognitive-communication impairment in complicated mild TBI (mTBI) specifically. AIMS To determine which demographic and trauma-related factors are associated with cognitive-communication performance in the early recovery phase of acute care following a complicated mTBI. METHODS & PROCEDURES Demographic and accident-related data as well as the scores on cognitive-communication skill measures in the areas of auditory comprehension (complex ideational material subtest of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination), verbal reasoning (verbal absurdities subtest of the Detroit Test of Learning Aptitude), confrontation naming (short form of the Boston Naming Test), verbal fluency (semantic category and letter category naming), and conversational discourse (conversational checklist of the Protocole Montréal d'évaluation de la communication) were retrospectively collected from the medical records of 128 patients with complicated mTBI admitted to a tertiary care trauma hospital. Multiple linear regressions analyses were carried out on the variables sex, age, education level, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, lesion site and bilingualism. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Females performed better than males on letter-category naming, while those more advanced in age performed worse on most cognitive-communication measures. Patients with higher education achieved better confrontation and letter-category naming, whereas reading comprehension results were worse with a lower GCS score. Bilingual individuals presented more difficulty in conversational discourse skills than those who spoke only one language. In terms of site of lesion, the presence of a right frontal injury was associated with worse auditory and reading comprehension and an occipital lesion was related to worse confrontation naming. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Cognitive-communication skills should be evaluated early in all patients with complicated mTBI, but especially in those who are advanced in age, those with fewer years of education and those who present with lower GCS scores, in order to determine rehabilitation needs. The findings of this study will allow acute care clinicians to better understand how various demographic and injury-related factors affect cognitive-communication skills after complicated mTBI and to better nuance the interpretation of their evaluation results in order to improve clinical care. Further study is required regarding the influence of lesion location, sex and bilingualism following complicated mTBI. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject In early acute recovery studies including all severity of TBI, cognitive-communication performance was poorer in individuals with more advanced age, those with fewer years of education and with more severe TBI. It is not yet known which demographic and injury-related variables predict cognitive-communication performance after a complicated mTBI specifically. What this paper adds to existing knowledge We confirmed that age, level of education and TBI severity, as measured with the GCS score, were associated with some areas of cognitive-communication performance for a group of patients in the acute stage of recovery from a complicated mTBI. We also identified that sex, bilingualism and site of lesion were new variables that show an influence on aspects of cognitive-communication skills in this group of patients. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of this study on prognostic factors in the case of complicated mTBI will help acute care clinicians to better understand evaluation results knowing the variables that can influence cognitive-communication performance and to nuance the interpretation of these results with the goal of determining rehabilitation needs and enhancing clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne LeBlanc
- Traumatic Brain Injury Program, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alena Seresova
- Traumatic Brain Injury Program, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sabrina Tabet
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Abdulrahman Y Alturki
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Adult Neurosurgery Department, National Neurosciences Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mitra Feyz
- Traumatic Brain Injury Program, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elaine de Guise
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Del Maschio N, Sulpizio S, Abutalebi J. Thinking outside the box: The brain-bilingualism relationship in the light of early neurobiological variability. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 211:104879. [PMID: 33080496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism represents a distinctive way to investigate the interplay between brain and behaviour, and an elegant model to study the role of environmental factors in shaping this relationship. Past neuroimaging research has mainly focused on how bilingualism influences brain structure, and how eventually the brain accommodates a second language. In this paper, we discuss a more recent contribution to the field which views bilingualism as lens to understand brain-behaviour mappings from a different perspective. It has been shown, in contexts not related to bilingualism, that cognitive performance across several domains can be predicted by neuroanatomical variants determined prenatally and largely impervious to postnatal changes. Here, we discuss novel findings indicating that bilingualism modulates the predictive role of these variants on domain-specific cognition. The repercussions of these findings are potentially far-reaching on multiple levels, and highlight the need to shape more complex questions for progress in cognitive neuroscience approaches to bilingualism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Del Maschio
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Faculty of Psychology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Sulpizio
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Faculty of Psychology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Jubin Abutalebi
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Faculty of Psychology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy; The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Beyond Alzheimer's disease: Can bilingualism be a more generalized protective factor in neurodegeneration? Neuropsychologia 2020; 147:107593. [PMID: 32882240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism has been argued to have an impact on cognition and brain structure. Effects have been reported across the lifespan: from healthy children to ageing adults, including clinical (ageing) populations. It has been argued that active bilingualism may significantly contribute to the delaying of the expression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. If bilingualism plays an ameliorative role against the expression of neurodegeneration in dementia, it is possible that it could have similar effects for other neurodegenerative disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases. To date, however, direct relevant evidence remains limited, not least because the necessary scientific motivations for investigating this with greater depth have not yet been fully articulated. Herein, we provide a roadmap that reviews the relevant literatures, highlighting potential links across neurodegenerative disorders and bilingualism more generally.
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Li C, Ding K, Zhang M, Zhang L, Zhou J, Yu D. Effect of Picture-Book Reading With Additive Audio on Bilingual Preschoolers' Prefrontal Activation: A Naturalistic Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1939. [PMID: 32849138 PMCID: PMC7419625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquiring a second language (L2) has the power to shape cognition and even the function and structure of the brain. Picture-book reading with additive audio (PRA) is a popular and convenient means of providing L2 exposure for non-balanced bilingual children; however, its contribution to bilingual children’s brain activity is unclear. This study conducted a rigorous bilingual word comprehension experiment and a naturalistic PRA task to explore the effect of L2 processing on brain activation among English as a foreign language (EFL) preschoolers, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We found that the two contexts of comprehending English words and bilingual switching (BS), which impose more cognitive control demands, activated the prefrontal cortex (PFC) more than did the condition of comprehending Chinese words. Furthermore, the effect of PFC activity in the condition of picture-book reading with additive English audio (English PRA) was also found to be greater than in the condition of picture-book reading with additive Chinese audio (Chinese PRA); moreover, the effect was modulated by story difficulty. Finally, a positive correlation was shown between EFL children’s English competence and PFC activation through English PRA. This study indicates that the experiences of hearing L2 auditory stories in a picture-book reading activity yielded significant changes to early bilinguals’ PFC functional for cognitive control and language processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keya Ding
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongchuan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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37
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The effect of bilingualism on brain development from early childhood to young adulthood. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2131-2152. [PMID: 32691216 PMCID: PMC7473972 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bilingualism affects the structure of the brain in adults, as evidenced by experience-dependent grey and white matter changes in brain structures implicated in language learning, processing, and control. However, limited evidence exists on how bilingualism may influence brain development. We examined the developmental patterns of both grey and white matter structures in a cross-sectional study of a large sample (n = 711 for grey matter, n = 637 for white matter) of bilingual and monolingual participants, aged 3–21 years. Metrics of grey matter (thickness, volume, and surface area) and white matter (fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity) were examined across 41 cortical and subcortical brain structures and 20 tracts, respectively. We used generalized additive modelling to analyze whether, how, and where the developmental trajectories of bilinguals and monolinguals might differ. Bilingual and monolingual participants manifested distinct developmental trajectories in both grey and white matter structures. As compared to monolinguals, bilinguals showed: (a) more grey matter (less developmental loss) starting during late childhood and adolescence, mainly in frontal and parietal regions (particularly in the inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis, superior frontal cortex, inferior and superior parietal cortex, and precuneus); and (b) higher white matter integrity (greater developmental increase) starting during mid-late adolescence, specifically in striatal–inferior frontal fibers. The data suggest that there may be a developmental basis to the well-documented structural differences in the brain between bilingual and monolingual adults.
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38
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Bice K, Yamasaki BL, Prat CS. Bilingual Language Experience Shapes Resting-State Brain Rhythms. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 1:288-318. [PMID: 37215228 PMCID: PMC10158654 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An increasing body of research has investigated how bilingual language experience changes brain structure and function, including changes to task-free, or "resting-state" brain connectivity. Such findings provide important evidence about how the brain continues to be shaped by different language experiences throughout the lifespan. The neural effects of bilingual language experience can provide evidence about the additional processing demands placed on the linguistic and/or executive systems by dual-language use. While considerable research has used MRI to examine where these changes occur, such methods cannot reveal the temporal dynamics of functioning brain networks at rest. The current study used data from task-free EEGS to disentangle how the linguistic and cognitive demands of bilingual language use impact brain functioning. Data analyzed from 106 bilinguals and 91 monolinguals revealed that bilinguals had greater alpha power, and significantly greater and broader coherence in the alpha and beta frequency ranges than monolinguals. Follow-up analyses showed that higher alpha was related to language control: more second-language use, higher native-language proficiency, and earlier age of second-language acquisition. Bilateral beta power was related to native-language proficiency, whereas theta was related to native-language proficiency only in left-hemisphere electrodes. The results contribute to our understanding of how the linguistic and cognitive requirements of dual-language use shape intrinsic brain activity, and what the broader implications for information processing may be.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna L. Yamasaki
- Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences and Department of Psychology, University of Washington
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University
| | - Chantel S. Prat
- Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences and Department of Psychology, University of Washington
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39
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Machine Learning for Brain Images Classification of Two Language Speakers. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 2020:9045456. [PMID: 32587607 PMCID: PMC7294350 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9045456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The image analysis of the brain with machine learning continues to be a relevant work for the detection of different characteristics of this complex organ. Recent research has observed that there are differences in the structure of the brain, specifically in white matter, when learning and using a second language. This work focuses on knowing the brain from the classification of Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs) of bilingual and monolingual people who have English as their common language. Different artificial neural networks of a hidden layer were tested until reaching two neurons in that layer. The number of entries used was nine hundred and the classifier registered a high percentage of effectiveness. The training was supervised which could be improved in a future investigation. This task is usually carried out by an expert human with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis and fractional anisotropy expressed in different colors on a screen. So, this proposal presents another option to quantitatively analyse this type of phenomena which allows to contribute to neuroscience by automatically detecting bilingual people of monolinguals by using machine learning from MRIs. This reinforces what is reported in manual detections and the way that a machine can do it.
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40
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Raji CA, Meysami S, Merrill DA, Porter VR, Mendez MF. Brain Structure in Bilingual Compared to Monolingual Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease: Proof of Concept. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 76:275-280. [PMID: 32508324 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bilingualism is increasingly recognized as protective in persons at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE Compare MRI measured brain volumes in matched bilinguals versus monolinguals with AD. METHODS This IRB approved study analyzed T1 volumetric brain MRIs of patients with criteria-supported Probable AD. We identified 17 sequential bilinguals (any native language) with Probable AD, matched to 28 (62%) monolinguals on age and MMSE. Brain volumes were quantified with Neuroreader. Regional volumes as fraction of total intracranial volume (TIV) were compared between both groups, and Cohen's D effect sizes were calculated for statistically significant structures. Partial correlations between bilingualism and brain volumes adjusted for age, gender, and TIV. RESULTS Bilinguals had higher brain volumes in 37 structures. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was observed in brainstem (t = 2.33, p = 0.02, Cohen's D = 0.71) and ventral diencephalon (t = 3.01, p = 0.004, Cohen's D = 0.91). Partial correlations showed statistical significance between bilingualism and larger volumes in brainstem (rp = 0 . 37, p = 0.01), thalamus (rp = 0.31, p = 0.04), ventral diencephalon (rp = 0.50, p = 0.001), and pallidum (rp = 0.38, p = 0.01). Bilingualism positively correlated with hippocampal volume, though not statistically significant (rp = 0.17, p = 0.26). No brain volumes were larger in monolinguals. CONCLUSION Bilinguals demonstrated larger thalamic, ventral diencephalon, and brainstem volumes compared to matched monolinguals with AD. This may represent a neural substrate for increased cognitive reserve in bilingualism. Future studies should extrapolate this finding into cognitively normal persons at risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus A Raji
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Somayeh Meysami
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A Merrill
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence and St. Johns Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Verna R Porter
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence and St. Johns Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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41
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Goksan S, Argyri F, Clayden JD, Liegeois F, Wei L. Early childhood bilingualism: effects on brain structure and function. F1000Res 2020; 9:370. [PMID: 32528666 PMCID: PMC7262573 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23216.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 03/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing up in a bilingual environment is becoming increasingly common. Yet, we know little about how this enriched language environment influences the connectivity of children's brains. Behavioural research in children and adults has shown that bilingualism experience may boost executive control (EC) skills, such as inhibitory control and attention. Moreover, increased structural and functional (resting-state) connectivity in language-related and EC-related brain networks is associated with increased executive control in bilingual adults. However, how bilingualism factors alter brain connectivity early in brain development remains poorly understood. We will combine standardised tests of attention with structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in bilingual children. This study will allow us to address an important field of inquiry within linguistics and developmental cognitive neuroscience by examining the following questions: Does bilingual experience modulate connectivity in language-related and EC-related networks in children? Do differences in resting-state brain connectivity correlate with differences in EC skills (specifically attention skills)? How do bilingualism-related factors, such as age of exposure to two languages, language usage and proficiency, modulate brain connectivity? We will collect structural and functional MRI, and quantitative measures of EC and language skills from two groups of English-Greek bilingual children - 20 simultaneous bilinguals (exposure to both languages from birth) and 20 successive bilinguals (exposure to English between the ages of 3 and 5 years) - and 20 English monolingual children, 8-10 years old. We will compare connectivity measures and attention skills between monolinguals and bilinguals to examine the effects of bilingual exposure. We will also examine to what extent bilingualism factors predict brain connectivity in EC and language networks. Overall, we hypothesize that connectivity and EC will be enhanced in bilingual children compared to monolingual children, and each outcome will be modulated by age of exposure to two languages and by bilingual language usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezgi Goksan
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Froso Argyri
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Jonathan D. Clayden
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Frederique Liegeois
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Li Wei
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
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42
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Goksan S, Argyri F, Clayden JD, Liegeois F, Wei L. Early childhood bilingualism: effects on brain structure and function. F1000Res 2020; 9:370. [PMID: 32528666 PMCID: PMC7262573 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23216.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing up in a bilingual environment is becoming increasingly common. Yet, we know little about how this enriched language environment influences the connectivity of children's brains. Behavioural research in children and adults has shown that bilingualism experience may boost executive control (EC) skills, such as inhibitory control and attention. Moreover, increased structural and functional (resting-state) connectivity in language-related and EC-related brain networks is associated with increased executive control in bilingual adults. However, how bilingualism factors alter brain connectivity early in brain development remains poorly understood. We will combine standardised tests of attention with structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in bilingual children. This study will allow us to address an important field of inquiry within linguistics and developmental cognitive neuroscience by examining the following questions: Does bilingual experience modulate connectivity in language-related and EC-related networks in children? Do differences in resting-state brain connectivity correlate with differences in EC skills (specifically attention skills)? How do bilingualism-related factors, such as age of exposure to two languages, language usage and proficiency, modulate brain connectivity? We will collect structural and functional MRI, and quantitative measures of EC and language skills from two groups of English-Greek bilingual children - 20 simultaneous bilinguals (exposure to both languages from birth) and 20 successive bilinguals (exposure to English between the ages of 3 and 5 years) - and 20 English monolingual children, 8-10 years old. We will compare connectivity measures and attention skills between monolinguals and bilinguals to examine the effects of bilingual exposure. We will also examine to what extent bilingualism factors predict brain connectivity in EC and language networks. Overall, we hypothesize that connectivity and EC will be enhanced in bilingual children compared to monolingual children, and each outcome will be modulated by age of exposure to two languages and by bilingual language usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezgi Goksan
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Froso Argyri
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Jonathan D. Clayden
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Frederique Liegeois
- Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Li Wei
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, UCL Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK
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43
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Gao Z, Guo X, Liu C, Mo Y, Wang J. Right inferior frontal gyrus: An integrative hub in tonal bilinguals. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:2152-2159. [PMID: 31957933 PMCID: PMC7268011 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Right hemispheric dominance in tonal bilingualism is still controversial. In this study, we investigated hemispheric dominance in 30 simultaneous Bai‐Mandarin tonal bilinguals and 28 Mandarin monolinguals using multimodal neuroimaging. Resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis was first performed to reveal the changes of functional connections within the language‐related network. Voxel‐based morphology (VBM) and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyses were then used to identify bilinguals' alterations in gray matter volume (GMV) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter, respectively. RSFC analyses revealed significantly increased functional connections of the right pars‐orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) with right caudate, right pars‐opercular part of IFG, and left inferior temporal gyrus in Bai‐Mandarin bilinguals compared to monolinguals. VBM and TBSS analyses further identified significantly greater GMV in right pars‐triangular IFG and increased FA in right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) in bilinguals than in monolinguals. Taken together, these results demonstrate the integrative role of the right IFG in tonal language processing of bilinguals. Our findings suggest that the intrinsic language network in simultaneous tonal bilinguals differs from that of monolinguals in terms of both function and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Gao
- Key Laboratory for Neurolnformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Key Laboratory for Neurolnformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Cirong Liu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yin Mo
- Department of Radiology, Kunming Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaojian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Neurolnformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Language and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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44
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Marin‐Marin L, Costumero V, Belloch V, Escudero J, Baquero M, Parcet M, Ávila C. Effects of bilingualism on white matter atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:603-608. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Marin‐Marin
- Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Group University Jaume I Castelló Spain
| | - V. Costumero
- Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Group University Jaume I Castelló Spain
- Center for Brain and Cognition University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona Spain
- ERI Lectura University of Valencia València Spain
| | | | - J. Escudero
- Department of Neurology General Hospital of Valencia València Spain
| | - M. Baquero
- Neurology Unit University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe València Spain
| | - M.‐A. Parcet
- Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Group University Jaume I Castelló Spain
| | - C. Ávila
- Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Group University Jaume I Castelló Spain
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45
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Bilingualism as a gradient measure modulates functional connectivity of language and control networks. Neuroimage 2020; 205:116306. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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46
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Bartha-Doering L, Bonelli S. Epilepsy and Bilingualism. A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1235. [PMID: 31849811 PMCID: PMC6893901 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In patients with epilepsy, language abilities and neural language organization have been primarily investigated for the patient's mother tongue. However, in clinical practice, many patients use more than one language or use their second language more than their mother tongue. Yet, information about the linguistic profiles and brain organization of both languages in bilingual epilepsy patients is scarce. The purpose of this study was thus to systematically review the literature on language localization and language abilities in bilingual patients with epilepsy. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed using various electronic databases, including Embase and Medline. Key aspects of inclusion criteria were the assessment of language abilities and/or the investigation of neural language mapping in bilingual patients with epilepsy. Results: Our search strategy yielded 155 articles on language in bilingual epilepsy patients. Of these, 12 met final eligibility criteria. The majority of included articles focused on brain mapping of language using fMRI, Wada-test, or electrocortical stimulation in bilingual epilepsy patients, five studies investigated interictal language abilities in this patient group. Study results showed a pronounced heterogeneity of language abilities in bilingual patients, varying from intact language profiles to impairment in several language functions in both languages. However, the mother tongue was most often better perserved than the second language. Furthermore, studies on brain mapping of both languages again revealed heterogeneous findings ranging from identical brain regions for both languages to overlapping, but more distributed cortical areas for the non-native language. Conclusions: This review underlines the need to evaluate linguistic abilities in both languages, as well as the necessity to preoperatively map both languages in bilingual epilepsy patients. In contrast to the large scientific interest in language abilities and language localization in monolingual epilepsy patients, this review shows that in bilingual patients, the examination of language functions and the identification of brain regions associated with both languages so far played a minor role in epilepsy research. Our review thus emphasizes the need of future research activities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bartha-Doering
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Bonelli
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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47
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Kim S, Jeon SG, Nam Y, Kim HS, Yoo DH, Moon M. Bilingualism for Dementia: Neurological Mechanisms Associated With Functional and Structural Changes in the Brain. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1224. [PMID: 31798405 PMCID: PMC6868000 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of older adults increases, the prevalence of dementias, such as Alzheimer's dementia (AD), vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementias, also increases. Despite research into pharmacological approaches for treating diverse diseases, there is still no cure. Recently, novel non-pharmacological interventions are attracting attention. Non-pharmacological approaches include cognitive stimulation, alterations in diet, physical activity, and social engagement. Cognitive stimulating activities protect against the negative effects of cognitive decline caused by age-related neurogenerative diseases. Bilingualism is one form of cognitive stimulation that requires multiple aspects of brain activity and has been shown to delay the onset of dementia symptoms in patients by approximately 4-5 years as compared with monolingual patients through cognitive reserve. The purpose of this review was to bilingualism protects against cognitive decline associated with AD and other dementias. We discuss potential underlying neurological mechanisms, including: (1) stimulating adult neurogenesis, (2) enhancing synaptogenesis, (3) strengthening functional connectivity that bilingualism may delay clinical AD symptoms, (4) protecting white matter integrity, and (5) preserving gray matter density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yunkwon Nam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyeon soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Doo-Han Yoo
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, South Korea
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48
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Foster PP, Baldwin CL, Thompson JC, Espeseth T, Jiang X, Greenwood PM. Editorial: Cognitive and Brain Aging: Interventions to Promote Well-Being in Old Age. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:268. [PMID: 31680930 PMCID: PMC6803512 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip P Foster
- Pulmonary Section, Department of Medicine, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | | | - Xiong Jiang
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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49
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Dash T, Berroir P, Joanette Y, Ansaldo AI. Alerting, Orienting, and Executive Control: The Effect of Bilingualism and Age on the Subcomponents of Attention. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1122. [PMID: 31736852 PMCID: PMC6831726 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-long experience of using two or more languages has been shown to enhance cognitive control abilities in young and elderly bilinguals in comparison to their monolingual peers. This advantage has been found to be larger in older adults in comparison to younger adults, suggesting that bilingualism provides advantages in cognitive control abilities. However, studies showing this effect have used a variety of tasks (Simon Task, Stroop task, Flanker Task), each measuring different subcomponents of attention and raising mixed results. At the same time, attention is not a unitary function but comprises of subcomponents which can be distinctively addressed within the Attention Network Test (ANT) (1, 2). The purpose of this work was to examine the neurofunctional correlates of the subcomponents of attention in healthy young and elderly bilinguals taking into account the L2 age of acquisition, language usage, and proficiency. Participants performed an fMRI version of the ANT task, and speed, accuracy, and BOLD data were collected. As expected, results show slower overall response times with increasing age. The ability to take advantage of the warning cues also decreased with age, resulting in reduced alerting and orienting abilities in older adults. fMRI results showed an increase in neurofunctional activity in the frontal and parietal areas in elderly bilinguals when compared to young bilinguals. Furthermore, higher L2 proficiency correlated negatively with activation in frontal area, and that faster RTs correlated negatively with activation in frontal and parietal areas. Such a correlation, especially with L2 proficiency was not present in young bilinguals and provides evidence for a bilingual advantage in the alerting subcomponent of attention that characterizes elderly bilinguals' performance. This study thus provides extra details about the bilingual advantage in the subcomponent of attention, in older bilinguals. Consequently, speaking more than one language impacts cognition and the brain later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Dash
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Berroir
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Joanette
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ana Inés Ansaldo
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,École d'orthophonie et d'audiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Del Maschio N, Sulpizio S, Toti M, Caprioglio C, Del Mauro G, Fedeli D, Abutalebi J. Second language use rather than second language knowledge relates to changes in white matter microstructure. JOURNAL OF CULTURAL COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s41809-019-00039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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