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Abdullah L, Blanco Elorietta E, Valdez DL. "¿Cómo qué, cómo qué? cómo qué?" Single-language echolalia in a bilingual female with progressive supranuclear palsy: a case report. Neurocase 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39037396 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2377206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The case study explores bilingualism and neurodegenerative disorders, specifically progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with speech and language disorder (PSP-SL). It features a 78-year-old Mexican American woman who exhibits echolalia only in response to Spanish. This selective impairment suggests unevenly affected language control mechanisms despite her proficiency in both languages. Cognitive function is evaluated with neuropsychological tests; she's diagnosed with PSP-SL, depression, and anxiety. Echolalia in response to one language implies complex phonological retrieval mechanisms. Such observations prompt further inquiry into bilingual language control and processing mechanisms. The case supports evidence that bilingualism may attenuate neurodegeneration effects, suggesting better inhibitory control over disinhibited speech through enhanced executive functioning benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubnaa Abdullah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
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2
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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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de Leon J, Grasso S, Allen IE, Escueta DP, Vega Y, Eshghavi M, Watson C, Dronkers N, Gorno-Tempini ML, Henry ML. Examining the relation between bilingualism and age of symptom onset in frontotemporal dementia. BILINGUALISM (CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND) 2024; 27:274-286. [PMID: 38707508 PMCID: PMC11065430 DOI: 10.1017/s1366728923000226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Bilingualism is thought to confer advantages in executive functioning, thereby contributing to cognitive reserve and a later age of dementia symptom onset. While the relation between bilingualism and age of onset has been explored in Alzheimer's dementia, there are few studies examining bilingualism as a contributor to cognitive reserve in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In line with previous findings, we hypothesized that bilinguals with behavioral variant FTD would be older at symptom onset compared to monolinguals, but that no such effect would be found in patients with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (PPA) or semantic variant PPA. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found no significant difference in age at symptom onset between monolingual and bilingual speakers within any of the FTD variants, and there were no notable differences on neuropsychological measures. Overall, our results do not support a protective effect of bilingualism in patients with FTD-spectrum disease in a U.S. based cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica de Leon
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas At Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel Elaine Allen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danielle P. Escueta
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yvette Vega
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Malihe Eshghavi
- Department of International and Multicultural Education, University of San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christa Watson
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nina Dronkers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maya L. Henry
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas At Austin, Texas, USA
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Grasso SM, Clark AL, Petersen M, O'Bryant S. Bilingual neurocognitive resiliency, vulnerability, and Alzheimer's disease biomarker correlates in Latino older adults enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study - Health Disparities (HABS-HD). ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12509. [PMID: 38089652 PMCID: PMC10711150 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12509] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effects of bilingualism on neuropsychological test performance in bilinguals with and without cognitive impairment are not well-understood and are relatively limited by small sample sizes of Latinos. METHODS Using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we explored patterns of cognitive performance and impairment across a large sample of community-dwelling bilingual and monolingual Latino older adults with (n = 180) and without (n = 643) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) enrolled in HABS-HD. RESULTS Bilinguals demonstrated cognitive resiliency in the form of significantly better performance on the Trail Making Test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, observed across the cognitively unimpaired and MCI groups. In contrast, bilinguals demonstrated cognitive vulnerability in the form of significantly poorer performance and higher impairment rates on phonemic fluency in the MCI phase, only. Follow-up analyses revealed less balanced bilinguals demonstrated poorer performance and higher impairment rates on this measure, supported by lower levels of plasma Aβ 42/40. DISCUSSION Patterns of cognitive performance and impairment differ as a function of bilingualism. Bilingualism must be considered when evaluating cognitive and biomarker outcomes in Latino older adults. Highlights Latino bilinguals perform better on measures of processing speed and coding.Latino bilinguals with MCI demonstrate cognitive vulnerability in verbal fluency.Less balanced bilinguals demonstrate greatest vulnerability anchored by Aβ 42/40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences Moody College of Communication The University of Texas (UT) at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Alexandra L Clark
- Department of Psychology College of Liberal Arts UT Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Melissa Petersen
- Institute for Translational Research University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth Texas USA
- Department of Family Medicine University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth Texas USA
| | - Sid O'Bryant
- Institute for Translational Research University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth Texas USA
- Department of Family Medicine University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth Texas USA
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5
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Phani Krishna P, Arulmozi S, Male SR, Mishra RK. Are Older Bilinguals' Better in Metaphor Generation? JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2023; 52:1183-1204. [PMID: 36715812 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-022-09929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Metaphor, as widely known, is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to describe an object, action, or event to which it cannot be applied exactly. Metaphors are often used figuratively to enable clarity or emphasize the similarities between the two things in a frame. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive functions and generating metaphor and their associations in older bilingual and monolingual participants. We conducted the experiment with fifty-six (Bilingual and Monolingual) participants in the age group ranging from 50 to 65 years. We administered the novel and conventional metaphor generation task based on vision words in perceptual domain in Telugu. Followed by a battery of cognitive function tests: Flanker task to study the attention, Semantic Fluency task, Corsi task to check working memory, LexTALE to measure the vocabulary, and a language questionnaire. These tasks are used to investigate the association and correlation between the old age bilingual and monolingual in generating vision metaphors. The current study's findings demonstrate that bilinguals have a considerable advantage in cognitive function and their ability to generate novel metaphors are better when compared to monolinguals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Phani Krishna
- Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
- Centre for Neural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
| | - S Arulmozi
- Centre for Applied Linguistics, Translation Studies, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Shiva Ram Male
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar Mishra
- Centre for Neural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
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6
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Grasso SM, Wagner Rodríguez CA, Montagut Colomer N, Marqués Kiderle SK, Sánchez-Valle R, Santos Santos MÁ. Bilingual Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Scoping Review of Assessment and Treatment Practices. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1453-1476. [PMID: 37980666 PMCID: PMC10900184 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230673] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by speech and/or language impairment with relatively spared cognition. Research investigating behavioral speech-language intervention and methods for cognitive-linguistic assessment in PPA has predominantly centered around monolingual speakers. This gap hinders the widespread adoption of evidence-based approaches and exacerbates the inequities faced by culturally and linguistically diverse populations living with PPA. OBJECTIVE This scoping review synthesizes the current evidence for assessment and treatment practices in bilingual PPA as well as the operationalization of bilingualism in PPA. METHODS Arksey & O'Malley's scoping review methodology was utilized. Information was extracted from each study and entered into a data-charting template designed to capture information regarding operationalization of bilingualism in PPA and assessment and treatment practices. RESULTS Of the 16 identified studies, 14 reported the results of assessments conducted in both languages. Three studies reported positive naming treatment outcomes. Thirteen studies included English-speaking participants, revealing linguistic bias. Most studies reported age of acquisition, proficiency, and patterns of language use rather than providing an operational definition for bilingualism. CONCLUSIONS Neither formal assessment measures nor clear guidelines for assessment of bilingual PPA currently exist; however, language-specific measures are emerging. Speech-language intervention in bilingual PPA has been relatively unexplored, representing a significant gap in the literature. In order to improve diagnostic and treatment options for bilingual PPA, targeted efforts to increase representation of bilinguals from various sociocultural contexts, as well as those who speak a variety of language pairs, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Núria Montagut Colomer
- Alzheimer's disease and other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia-Karin Marqués Kiderle
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) -Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau (HSP), Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), National Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Valle
- Alzheimer's disease and other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Santos Santos
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) -Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau (HSP), Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), National Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
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7
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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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8
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Coemans S, Keulen S, Savieri P, Tsapkini K, Engelborghs S, Chrispeels N, Vandenborre D, Paquier P, Wilssens I, Declerck M, Struys E. Executive functions in primary progressive aphasia: A meta-analysis. Cortex 2022; 157:304-322. [PMID: 36395634 PMCID: PMC11161026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) refer to a set of cognitive processes, specifically shifting, inhibition, updating of working memory, and are involved in the cognitive control of behavior. Conflicting results have been reported regarding impairments of EFs in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). We performed a multi-level meta-analysis to confirm whether deficits of EFs exist in this population, focusing on a common EFs composite, and the components shifting, inhibition and updating separately. We included 141 studies that report on 294 EFs tasks. The overall mean weighted effect size was large (d = -1,28), indicating poorer EFs in PPA as compared to age-matched cognitively healthy controls. Differences between effect sizes of the EFs components were not significant, indicating all components are affected similarly. Overall, moderator analysis revealed that PPA variant and disease duration were significant moderators of performance, while task modality and years of education were not. The non-fluent/agrammatic PPA and the logopenic PPA variants were similarly affected, but the semantic variant was affected to a lesser extent. We discuss implications for clinical and research settings, and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Coemans
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Stefanie Keulen
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Perseverence Savieri
- Interfaculty Center for Data Processing and Statistics (ICDS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Biostatistics and Medical Informatics (BISI) Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kyrana Tsapkini
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Engelborghs
- Neuroprotection & Neuromodulation, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nini Chrispeels
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Vandenborre
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe Paquier
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences (CRCN), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Translational Neurosciences (TNW), Universiteit Antwerpen (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ineke Wilssens
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Declerck
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Esli Struys
- Brussels Centre for Language Studies (BCLS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Lee YY. Bilingualism, Dementia, and the Neurological Mechanisms in Between: The Need for a More Critical Look Into Dementia Subtypes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:872508. [PMID: 35431900 PMCID: PMC9009505 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.872508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yi Lee
- Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Benussi A, Alberici A, Samra K, Russell LL, Greaves CV, Bocchetta M, Ducharme S, Finger E, Fumagalli G, Galimberti D, Jiskoot LC, Le Ber I, Masellis M, Nacmias B, Rowe JB, Sanchez-Valle R, Seelaar H, Synofzik M, Rohrer JD, Borroni B. Conceptual framework for the definition of preclinical and prodromal frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 18:1408-1423. [PMID: 34874596 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The presymptomatic stages of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are still poorly defined and encompass a long accrual of progressive biological (preclinical) and then clinical (prodromal) changes, antedating the onset of dementia. The heterogeneity of clinical presentations and the different neuropathological phenotypes have prevented a prior clear description of either preclinical or prodromal FTD. Recent advances in therapeutic approaches, at least in monogenic disease, demand a proper definition of these predementia stages. It has become clear that a consensus lexicon is needed to comprehensively describe the stages that anticipate dementia. The goal of the present work is to review existing literature on the preclinical and prodromal phases of FTD, providing recommendations to address the unmet questions, therefore laying out a strategy for operationalizing and better characterizing these presymptomatic disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Kiran Samra
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Lucy L Russell
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Caroline V Greaves
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Martina Bocchetta
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute and Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giorgio Fumagalli
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lize C Jiskoot
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Le Ber
- Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau - ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR, Paris, France.,Centre de référence des démences rares ou précoces, IM2A, Département de Neurologie, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Département de Neurologie, AP-HP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Paris, France
| | - Mario Masellis
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, and IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raquel Sanchez-Valle
- Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacións Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Harro Seelaar
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
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11
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Mendis SB, Raymont V, Tabet N. Bilingualism: A Global Public Health Strategy for Healthy Cognitive Aging. Front Neurol 2021; 12:628368. [PMID: 33935937 PMCID: PMC8081826 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.628368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a global public health priority which cost global societies $818 billion in 2015 and is disproportionately impacting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). With limited availability of disease modifying drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), researchers have increasingly focused on preventative strategies which may promote healthy cognitive aging and mitigate the risk of cognitive impairment in aging. Lifelong bilingualism has been presented as both a highly debated and promising cognitive reserve factor which has been associated with better cognitive outcomes in aging. A recent metanalysis has suggested that bilingual individuals present on average 4.05 years later with the clinical features of AD than monolinguals. Bilinguals are also diagnosed with AD ~2.0 years later than monolingual counterparts. In this perspective piece we critically evaluate the findings of this metanalysis and consider the specific implications of these findings to LMICs. Furthermore, we appraise the major epidemiological studies conducted globally on bilingualism and the onset of dementia. We consider how both impactful and robust studies of bilingualism and cognition in older age may be conducted in LMICs. Given the limited expenditure and resources available in LMICs and minimal successes of clinical trials of disease modifying drugs we propose that bilingualism should be positioned as an important and specific public health strategy for maintaining healthy cognitive aging in LMICs. Finally, we reflect upon the scope of implementing bilingualism within the education systems of LMICs and the promotion of bilingualism as a healthy cognitive aging initiative within government policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Raymont
- Oxford Brain Health Clinical Trials Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Naji Tabet
- Center for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
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12
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Abstract
Evidence suggests that bilingualism may contribute to neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, allowing individuals to resist cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease progression, although the idea remains controversial. Here, we argue that the reason for the discrepancy stems from conflating incidence rates of dementia and the age at which the symptoms first appear, as well as statistical and methodological issues in the study designs. To clarify the issues, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis on the available literature regarding bilingualism and Alzheimer's disease, including both retrospective and prospective studies, as well as age of onset and incidence rates. Results revealed a moderate effect size for the protective effect of bilingualism on age of onset of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (Cohen's d = 0.32), and weaker evidence that bilingualism prevents the occurrence of disease incidence itself (Cohen's d = 0.10). Moreover, our results cannot be explained by SES, education, or publication bias. We conclude with a discussion on how bilingualism contributes to cognitive reserve and protects against Alzheimer's disease and recommend that future studies report both age of onset as well as incidence rates when possible.
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Onyike CU, Shinagawa S, Ellajosyula R. Frontotemporal Dementia: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1281:141-150. [PMID: 33433874 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51140-1_10] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is predictable that syndromes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may have a worldwide distribution; however, data available on their incidence and prevalence are variable. This variability most likely reflects disparities across regions in the distribution of the expertise, technology, and resources available for FTD research and care. Important discoveries have been made regarding FTD's phenotypes, genetics, and cultural influences on the expression of symptoms; however, in many countries, there are barriers posed by a dearth of resources. There are pressing needs to further develop research on FTD: including first, population studies designed to fill the gaps in our knowledge about FTD's frequency and risk factors in developing regions and among minority groups in developed countries. It is also necessary to facilitate the psychometric characterization of contemporary diagnostic criteria and their translation to different languages and cultural contexts. Furthermore, much needed is the analysis of differences in the genetic risk factors for FTD, particularly non-Mendelian susceptibility factors. It is hoped that reflections on FTD from an international perspective will spur an extension of the vibrant multicenter collaborations, that exist in North America and Europe, toward new centers to be established and supported in the developing regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiadi U Onyike
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Abstract
In India, increasing lifespan and decreasing fertility rates have resulted in a growing number of older persons. By 2050, people over 60 years of age are predicted to constitute 19.1% of the total population. This ageing of the population is expected to be accompanied by a dramatic increase in the prevalence of dementia. The aetiopathogenesis of dementia has been the subject of a number of prospective longitudinal studies in North America and Europe; however, the findings from these studies cannot simply be translated to the Indian population. The population of India is extremely diverse in terms of socio-economic, cultural, linguistic, geographical, lifestyle-related and genetic factors. Indeed, preliminary data from recently initiated longitudinal studies in India indicate that the prevalence of vascular and metabolic risk factors, as well as white matter hyperintensities, differs between urban and rural cohorts. More information on the complex role of vascular risk factors, gender and genetic influences on dementia prevalence and progression in Indian populations is urgently needed. Low-cost, culturally appropriate and scalable interventions need to be developed expeditiously and implemented through public health measures to reduce the growing burden of dementia. Here, we review the literature concerning dementia epidemiology and risk factors in the Indian population and discuss the future work that needs to be performed to put in place public health interventions to mitigate the burden of dementia.
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Reddy Mukku SS, Keshavaprasad YB, Rangarajan SK, Girimaji AS, Mohammed M, Mangalore S, Sivakumar PT. Multilingualism and semantic dementia - A case report. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 54:102267. [PMID: 32659657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Language is a vital component of cognition essential for communication. Proficiency in more than one language has become a norm for many in the current era of globalisation. In neurogenerative conditions decline in language ability leads to early dependency. Studies have reported higher cognitive reserve in multilingual compared to monolinguals. Determining preserved language skills in a patient presenting with cognitive concerns helps in understanding the cognitive reserve, early signs of dementia, the extent of impairment due to language deficits and planning for cognitive stimulation. In this article, we have described an elderly woman with multilinguistic abilities who presented with semantic dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Shanker Reddy Mukku
- Geriatric Clinic & Services, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Yamini Belur Keshavaprasad
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Subashini K Rangarajan
- Geriatric Clinic & Services, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Akhila S Girimaji
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Marwah Mohammed
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - Sandhya Mangalore
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
| | - P T Sivakumar
- Geriatric Clinic & Services, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, 560029, India.
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Teubner-Rhodes S. Cognitive Persistence and Executive Function in the Multilingual Brain During Aging. Front Psychol 2020; 11:568702. [PMID: 33013606 PMCID: PMC7494780 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.568702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers have debated the extent to which the experience of speaking more than two languages induces long-term neuroplasticity that protects multilinguals from the adverse cognitive effects of aging. In this review, I propose a novel theory that multilingualism affects cognitive persistence, the application of effort to improve performance on challenging tasks. I review recent evidence demonstrating that the cingulo-opercular network, consisting of the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), supports cognitive persistence. I then show that this same network is involved in multilingual language control and changes with multilingual language experience. While both early and late multilinguals exhibit differences in the cingulo-opercular network compared to monolinguals, I find that early multilinguals have a pattern of decreased dACC activity and increased left IFG activity that may enable more efficient cognitive control, whereas late multilinguals show larger dACC responses to conflict that may be associated with higher cognitive persistence. I further demonstrate that multilingual effects on the cingulo-opercular network are present in older adults and have been implicated in the mitigation of cognitive symptoms in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, I argue that mixed results in the literature are due, in part, to the confound between cognitive persistence and ability in most executive function tasks, and I provide guidance for separating these processes in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Teubner-Rhodes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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de Leon J, Grasso SM, Welch A, Miller Z, Shwe W, Rabinovici GD, Miller BL, Henry ML, Gorno-Tempini ML. Effects of bilingualism on age at onset in two clinical Alzheimer's disease variants. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:1704-1713. [PMID: 32881346 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effect of bilingualism on age at onset has yet to be examined within different clinical variants of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS We reviewed the research charts of 287 well-characterized participants with either amnestic Alzheimer's dementia or logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) and identified bilingual speakers based on regular use of two or more languages and/or ability to communicate with native speakers in two or more languages. We evaluated whether bilingual speakers demonstrated a delay in age of symptom onset relative to monolingual speakers while controlling for other variables known to influence cognitive reserve. RESULTS A 5-year delay in age at symptom onset was observed for bilingual relative to monolingual speakers with lvPPA. This delay in onset was not observed in the amnestic Alzheimer's dementia cohort. DISCUSSION Bilingualism may serve as a unique cognitive reserve variable in lvPPA, but not in amnestic Alzheimer's dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica de Leon
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephanie M Grasso
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Texas At Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Ariane Welch
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zachary Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wendy Shwe
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gil D Rabinovici
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maya L Henry
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Texas At Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Waldie KE, Badzakova-Trajkov G, Park HRP, Zheng Y, Neumann D, Zamani Foroushani N. The cognitive and neural correlates of written language: a selective review of bilingualism. J R Soc N Z 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2020.1779093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. Waldie
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gjurgjica Badzakova-Trajkov
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Adult Community Mental Health Services, North Shore, Auckland WDHB, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Haeme R. P. Park
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia
| | - Yuxuan Zheng
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Denise Neumann
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nasrin Zamani Foroushani
- School of Psychology and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Bilingualism in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Retrospective Study on Clinical and Language Characteristics. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2020; 33:47-53. [PMID: 30640254 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of language. Being rare, reports of PPA in multilingual individuals are scarce, despite more than half of the world population being multilingual. METHODS We describe clinical characteristics of 33 bilingual patients with PPA, including symptom presentation and language deficits pattern in their first (L1) and second language (L2), through a systematic literature review and new cases retrospectively identified in 5 countries. RESULTS In total, 14 patients presented with nonfluent/agrammatic variant, 6 with semantic variant, and 13 with logopenic variant, with a median symptom onset of 2 years. Word-finding difficulties was the first symptom in 65% of all cases, initially noticed in L2, and not always the dominant language. Our group had 22 different languages as L1, and 9 as L2. At the whole-group level there was a tendency for parallel impairment in both languages, in line with the shared bilingual neural substrate hypothesis, but each PPA variant showed some heterogeneity. DISCUSSION Each PPA variant showed heterogeneity, showing the need for comprehensive language and cognitive assessment across languages, as well as further clarification on the role of language mediators.
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20
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Mendez MF. Bilingualism and Dementia: Cognitive Reserve to Linguistic Competency. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 71:377-388. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-190397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario F. Mendez
- V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wong PCM, Ou J, Pang CWY, Zhang L, Tse CS, Lam LCW, Antoniou M. Language Training Leads to Global Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults: A Preliminary Study. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2019; 62:2411-2424. [PMID: 31251679 DOI: 10.1044/2019_jslhr-l-18-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We report a preliminary study that prospectively tests the potential cognitive enhancing effect of foreign language (FL) learning in older adults with no clear signs of cognitive decline beyond what is age typical. Because language learning engages a large brain network that overlaps with the network of cognitive aging, we hypothesized that learning a new language later in life would be beneficial. Method Older adults were randomly assigned to 3 training groups: FL, games, and music appreciation. All were trained predominately by a computer-based program for 6 months, and their cognitive abilities were tested before, immediately after, and 3 months after training. Results FL and games, but not music appreciation, improved overall cognitive abilities that were maintained at 3 months after training. Conclusion This is the 1st randomized control study providing preliminary support for the cognitive benefits of FL learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C M Wong
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinghua Ou
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Celestina W Y Pang
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Chinese Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Shing Tse
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda C W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Mark Antoniou
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Australia
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22
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MacPherson SE, Gillebert CR, Robinson GA, Vallesi A. Editorial: Intra- and Inter-individual Variability of Executive Functions: Determinant and Modulating Factors in Healthy and Pathological Conditions. Front Psychol 2019; 10:432. [PMID: 30906272 PMCID: PMC6418029 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. MacPherson
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Celine R. Gillebert
- Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gail A. Robinson
- Neuropsychology Research Unit, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Antonino Vallesi
- Department of Neuroscience & Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Brain Imaging and Neural Dynamics Research Group, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
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23
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Mendez MF, Chavez D, Akhlaghipour G. Bilingualism Delays Expression of Alzheimer's Clinical Syndrome. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2019; 48:281-289. [PMID: 32045913 PMCID: PMC7195235 DOI: 10.1159/000505872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of bilingualism on the emergence of Alzheimer's clinical syndrome. BACKGROUND Studies have proposed an increase in cognitive and neural reserve from the management and control of two languages, with a consequent delayed expression of dementia. METHODS In a clinic with a large immigrant population, we identified 253 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) with intermediate or high evidence of AD pathophysiological process. These patients were reviewed for demographic variables, native language (L1) other than English, ages of onset and presentation, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), digit spans, word fluencies, naming, and memory. RESULTS Among these patients, 74 (29.2%) were bilinguals with various L1s (Farsi, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic, others). When compared to the 179 monolingual AD patients, those who were bilingual had significant delays in ages of onset and presentation of approximately 4 years (p = 0.003). These delays persisted despite bilinguals having worse MMSE scores on presentation. There were no significant group differences on other variables except for worse naming in English among bilinguals versus monolinguals. Caregiver/informants reported that 66 (89.2%) of the 74 bilingual AD patients had gradually regressed to the predominant use of their L1. CONCLUSIONS In line with published reports worldwide, we found that bilingualism delays the expression of Alzheimer's clinical syndrome. We also found frequent reversion to the first learned language. These findings suggest that, among bilinguals, the availability of an L1 "back-up" either facilitates compensation or masks emergence of the early symptoms of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F. Mendez
- V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Departments of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA,Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, and Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diana Chavez
- Departments of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Golnoush Akhlaghipour
- Departments of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Toh WX, Hartanto A, Tan QYJ, Yang H. An integrative approach to investigating bilingual advantages in cognitive decline: The Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 33:1412-1414. [PMID: 30240510 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Ramakrishnan S, Mekala S, Mamidipudi A, Yareeda S, Mridula R, Bak TH, Alladi S, Kaul S. Comparative Effects of Education and Bilingualism on the Onset of Mild Cognitive Impairment. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2018; 44:222-231. [PMID: 29207387 DOI: 10.1159/000479791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that life course factors such as education and bilingualism may have a protective role against dementia due to Alzheimer disease. This study aimed to compare the effects of education and bilingualism on the onset of cognitive decline at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS A total of 115 patients with MCI evaluated in a specialty memory clinic in Hyderabad, India, formed the cohort. MCI was diagnosed according to Petersen's criteria following clinical evaluation and brain imaging. Age at onset of MCI was compared between bilinguals and monolinguals, and across subjects with high and low levels of education, adjusting for possible confounding variables. RESULTS The bilingual MCI patients were found to have a clinical onset of cognitive complaints 7.4 years later than monolinguals (65.2 vs. 58.1 years; p = 0.004), while years of education was not associated with delayed onset (1-10 years of education, 59.1 years; 11-15 years of education, 62.6 years; >15 years of education, 62.2 years; p = 0.426). CONCLUSION The effect of bilingualism is protective against cognitive decline, and lies along a continuum from normal to pathological states. In comparison, the role of years of education is less robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subasree Ramakrishnan
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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26
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Antoniou M, Wright SM. Uncovering the Mechanisms Responsible for Why Language Learning May Promote Healthy Cognitive Aging. Front Psychol 2017; 8:2217. [PMID: 29326636 PMCID: PMC5736569 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the great challenges facing humankind in the 21st century is preserving healthy brain function in our aging population. Individuals over 60 are the fastest growing age group in the world, and by 2050, it is estimated that the number of people over the age of 60 will triple. The typical aging process involves cognitive decline related to brain atrophy, especially in frontal brain areas and regions that subserve declarative memory, loss of synaptic connections, and the emergence of neuropathological symptoms associated with dementia. The disease-state of this age-related cognitive decline is Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, which may cause older adults to lose their independence and rely on others to live safely, burdening family members and health care systems in the process. However, there are two lines of research that offer hope to those seeking to promote healthy cognitive aging. First, it has been observed that lifestyle variables such as cognitive leisure activities can moderate the risk of Alzheimer's disease, which has led to the development of plasticity-based interventions for older adults designed to protect against the adverse effects of cognitive decline. Second, there is evidence that lifelong bilingualism acts as a safeguard in preserving healthy brain function, possibly delaying the incidence of dementia by several years. In previous work, we have suggested that foreign language learning programs aimed at older populations are an optimal solution for building cognitive reserve because language learning engages an extensive brain network that is known to overlap with the regions negatively affected by the aging process. Here, we will outline potential future lines of research that may uncover the mechanism responsible for the emergence of language learning related brain advantages, such as language typology, bi- vs. multi-lingualism, age of acquisition, and the elements that are likely to result in the largest gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Antoniou
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah M Wright
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Klimova B, Valis M, Kuca K. Bilingualism as a strategy to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Clin Interv Aging 2017; 12:1731-1737. [PMID: 29089747 PMCID: PMC5656355 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s145397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore original studies which provide evidence about the effects of bilingualism on the delay of the onset of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A literature review was conducted in the world’s acknowledged databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE. Altogether, 14 original studies focusing on the research topic were detected. These included six prospective cohort studies and eight retrospective studies. Both types of studies suggest different conclusions. The findings from the prospective cohort studies state that there is no association between bilingualism and the delay of the onset of AD, while the retrospective studies claim the opposite. Despite the negative results of the prospective cohort studies, more research should be conducted on bilingualism and its impact on the delay of the onset of AD, since the brain studies have brought positive findings as far as the enhancement of cognitive reserve is concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Klimova
- Department of Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove.,Department of Neurology
| | | | - Kamil Kuca
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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