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Kassir R, Roussel M, Abboud H, Godefroy O. Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Bilinguals: What Is the Influence of the Language of Assessment? Can J Neurol Sci 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38699814 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.264] [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: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bilingualism's impact on cognitive assessment remains underexplored. This study analyzes the efficacy of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as a screening tool for bilinguals, specifically examining the influence of language choice on balanced and unbalanced Lebanese bilinguals (Arabic-French) and its implications for diagnosing cognitive impairment. METHODS Ninety-three bilingual healthy controls (mean age = 67.99 ± 9.3) and 29 Alzheimer's disease patients (mean age = 77.2 ± 5.9), including 26 with mild and 3 with moderate dementia, underwent MMSE assessments in both Arabic and French. The study aimed to assess language impact on cognitive screening outcomes in different bilingual subtypes. RESULTS Sensitivity in screening for cognitive impairment using the MMSE varied based on language and bilingualism subtype. For unbalanced bilinguals, using the prominent language increased sensitivity. Conversely, in balanced bilinguals, employing the societal majority language enhanced sensitivity. This suggests that the conventional use of the non-prominent language in cognitive screening for foreigners/immigrants may result in a subtle loss of MMSE sensitivity. CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the critical role of language choice in cognitive assessment for bilinguals. The MMSE's sensitivity is influenced by language selection, with clinical implications for screening procedures. Recommendations include using the prominent language for cognitive screening in dominant bilinguals and the societal majority language for balanced bilinguals. This nuanced approach aims to improve the accuracy and cultural sensitivity of cognitive screening in bilingual populations, addressing the gap in current assessment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Kassir
- Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
- Research Laboratory in Neurosciences (LAREN), Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Martine Roussel
- Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Halim Abboud
- Department of Neurology, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Olivier Godefroy
- Laboratory of Functional Neurosciences (UR UPJV 4559), Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
- Department of Neurology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
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2
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Kang K, Xiao Y, Yu H, Diaz MT, Zhang H. Multilingual Language Diversity Protects Native Language Production under Different Control Demands. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1587. [PMID: 38002547 PMCID: PMC10670415 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111587] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of multiple languages has been found to influence individuals' cognitive abilities. Although some studies have also investigated the effect of multilingualism on non-native language proficiency, fewer studies have focused on how multilingual experience affects native language production. This study investigated the effect of multilingualism on native language production, specifically examining control demands through a semantic Go/No-Go picture naming task. The multilingual experience was quantified using language entropy, which measures the uncertainty and diversity of language use. Control demands were achieved by manipulating the proportion of Go (i.e., naming) trials in different conditions. Results showed that as control demands increased, multilingual individuals exhibited poorer behavioral performance and greater brain activation throughout the brain. Moreover, more diverse language use was associated with higher accuracy in naming and more interconnected brain networks with greater involvement of domain-general neural resources and less domain-specific neural resources. Notably, the varied and balanced use of multiple languages enabled multilingual individuals to respond more efficiently to increased task demands during native language production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Kang
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yumeng Xiao
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hanxiang Yu
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Michele T. Diaz
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Haoyun Zhang
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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3
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Giovannoli J, Martella D, Casagrande M. Executive functioning during verbal fluency tasks in bilinguals: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023. [PMID: 36748790 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bilingualism is widespread and being bilingual is more common than being monolingual. The lifelong practice bilinguals receive from managing two languages seems to lead to a cognitive benefit. Conversely, bilingualism seems to affect language ability negatively due to less use of each known language. AIMS This systematic review aims to summarize the results of the studies on the effect of bilingualism on executive functioning assessed by verbal fluency tasks. The verbal fluency task is a neuropsychological measure of lexical retrieval efficiency and executive functioning. METHODS The review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement through searches in the scientific databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS. Studies included in this review had at least one bilingual and monolingual group, participants over 18 years and one verbal fluency task. Studies that considered bimodal bilingual, second language learners, trilingual or multilingual people, and clinical populations were excluded. A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Quantitative analysis of performance did not show significant differences between monolinguals and bilinguals. Qualitative results are mixed, and no definitive conclusions can be drawn about a bilingual advantage or disadvantage in the verbal fluency tasks. CONCLUSIONS Normative data based on the monolingual population are not appropriate to test a bilingual population. It is necessary to take precautions in using this task, especially in clinical practice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Bilingualism seems to lead to a cognitive benefit due to constantly monitoring the known languages to select the most suitable one for each interactional context and to affect language ability negatively due to less use of each known language but also to language ability negatively. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This systematic review summarizes the results of the studies on the effect of bilingualism on executive functioning assessed by verbal fluency tasks, a neuropsychological measure of lexical retrieval efficiency and executive functioning. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Normative data based on the monolingual population are not appropriate to test a bilingual population. It is necessary to take precautions in using this task, especially in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Giovannoli
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Martella
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias sociales y humanas, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas Seville, España
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica, Clinica e Salute, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
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4
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Does bilingualism come with linguistic costs? A meta-analytic review of the bilingual lexical deficit. Psychon Bull Rev 2022:10.3758/s13423-022-02136-7. [DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA series of recent studies have shown that the once-assumed cognitive advantage of bilingualism finds little support in the evidence available to date. Surprisingly, however, the view that bilingualism incurs linguistic costs (the so-called lexical deficit) has not yet been subjected to the same degree of scrutiny, despite its centrality for our understanding of the human capacity for language. The current study implemented a comprehensive meta-analysis to address this gap. By analyzing 478 effect sizes from 130 studies on expressive vocabulary, we found that observed lexical deficits could not be attributed to bilingualism: Simultaneous bilinguals (who acquired both languages from birth) did not exhibit any lexical deficit, nor did sequential bilinguals (who acquired one language from birth and a second language after that) when tested in their mother tongue. Instead, systematic evidence for a lexical deficit was found among sequential bilinguals when tested in their second language, and more so for late than for early second language learners. This result suggests that a lexical deficit may be a phenomenon of second language acquisition rather than bilingualism per se.
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5
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Dash T, Joanette Y, Ansaldo AI. Multifactorial approaches to study bilingualism in the aging population: Past, present, future. Front Psychol 2022; 13:917959. [PMID: 35967735 PMCID: PMC9372590 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.917959] [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: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding and more reliable classification of bilinguals has been progressively achieved through the fine-tuning methodology and simultaneously optimizing the measurement tools. However, the current understanding is far from generalization to a larger population varying in different measures of bilingualism-L2 Age of acquisition (L2 AOA), L2 usage and exposure, and L2 proficiency. More recent studies have highlighted the importance of modeling bilingualism as a continuous variable. An in-depth look at the role of bilingualism, comparing groups, may be considered a reductionist approach, i.e., grouping based on one measure of bilingualism (e.g., L2 AOA) may not account for variability in other measures of bilingualism (L2 exposure, L2 use or L2 proficiency, amongst others) within and between groups. Similarly, a multifactorial dimension is associated with cognitive performance, where not all domains of cognition and subcomponents are equally influenced by bilingualism. In addition, socio-cultural and demographical factors may add another dimension to the impact of bilingualism on cognitive performance, especially in older adults. Nevertheless, not many studies have controlled or used the multiple socio-cultural and demographical factors as a covariate to understand the role of different aspects of bilingualism that may influence cognitive performance differently. Such an approach would fail to generalize the research findings to a larger group of bilinguals. In the present review paper, we illustrate that considering a multifactorial approach to different dimensions of bilingual study may lead to a better understanding of the role of bilingualism on cognitive performance. With the evolution of various fine-tuned methodological approaches, there is a greater need to study variability in bilingual profiles that can help generalize the result universally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Dash
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie 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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6
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García-Herranz S, Díaz-Mardomingo MC, Suárez-Falcón JC, Rodríguez-Fernández R, Peraita H, Venero C. Normative Data for Verbal Fluency, Trail Making, and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests on Monolingual Spanish-Speaking Older Adults. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2022; 37:952-969. [PMID: 34984432 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acab094] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to generate updated normative data for commonly used tests in neuropsychological assessment applied to older monolingual Spanish-speaking adults: Verbal fluency tests, the Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF). METHOD To obtain normative data, 382 cognitively healthy 60- to 90-year-old Spanish monolingual participants from the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) with 0-22 years education were assessed using an overlapping interval strategy that involved cell and midpoint techniques, and that assessed the influence of age, education, and sex. RESULTS Age and education were associated with the scores in the verbal fluency tests, TMT, and ROCF, whereas sex only significantly affected the TMT results. Age-adjusted scaled scores (SSA) based on percentile ranks were also converted into age-education scaled scores (SSAE) using a linear regression model. In addition, tables with the relevant adjustments for sex are provided for TMT-A and TMT-B. CONCLUSIONS Thus, this study provides updated, uniform normative data for widely used neuropsychological tests on older Spanish adults. The normative procedure followed helps to make consistent comparisons when using these neuropsychological tests, which will improve the interpretation of the data obtained when these tools are employed, reducing the risk of misdiagnosing cognitive impairment in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara García-Herranz
- Department of Basic Psychology II, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Carmen Díaz-Mardomingo
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Basic Psychology I, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Suárez-Falcón
- Department of Behavioral Sciences Methodology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Fernández
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Behavioral Sciences Methodology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Herminia Peraita
- Department of Basic Psychology I, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Liu H, Li W, Zuo M, Wang F, Guo Z, Schwieter JW. Cross-Task Adaptation Effects of Bilingual Language Control on Cognitive Control: A Dual-Brain EEG Examination of Simultaneous Production and Comprehension. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:3224-3242. [PMID: 34882197 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For bilinguals, speaking and listening are assisted by complex control processes including conflict monitoring and inhibition. However, the extent to which these processes adapt to linguistic and situational needs has been examined separately for language production and comprehension. In the present study, we use a dual-EEG to record the carry-over effects of language control on general cognitive control in three language contexts (single-first language [L1], single-second language [L2], and mixed). Chinese learners of English were placed in dyads in which one participant was asked to name pictures while the other listened. Interleaved after each naming/listening trial were flanker trials. The results from picture naming and listening revealed higher delta and theta synchronization in the single-L2 and mixed contexts compared with the single-L1 context and higher theta synchronization in the mixed context compared with the single-L2 and single-L1 contexts. The results from the interleaved flanker trials demonstrated that inhibition was adaptively generalized in the single-L2 and mixed contexts. Altogether, the findings support the natural adaptation of language control to cognitive control and underscore the importance of linguistic context. We argue that these adaptive patterns have the potential to affect corresponding control processes across language and cognitive control tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Liu
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116029, China
| | - Wanqing Li
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116029, China
| | - Mingyue Zuo
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116029, China
| | - Fenqi Wang
- Department of Linguistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-5454, USA
| | - Zibin Guo
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116029, China
| | - John W Schwieter
- Language Acquisition, Cognition, and Multilingualism Laboratory/Bilingualism Matters @ Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
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8
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Liu S, Wang X, Ma J, Wang K, Wang Z, Li J, Chen J, Zhan H, Wu W. Effect of Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Executive Function and Its Neural Mechanism: An Event-Related Potential Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:701560. [PMID: 34776839 PMCID: PMC8580383 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.701560] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Executive function refers to the conscious control of thinking and behavior in psychological process. Executive dysfunction widely exists in a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, and is closely related to the decline of daily living ability and function. This study intends to explore the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on executive function and its neural mechanism by using event-related potential (ERP), so as to provide basis for further study on the relationship between cerebral cortex and executive function. Methods: Task switching paradigm was used to study the cognitive flexibility in executive function. Thirty-one healthy subjects were randomly assigned to receive rTMS stimulations (1 Hz rTMS or sham rTMS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) twice. The switching task and the electroencephalography EEG recordings were performed before (pre-rTMS/pre-sham rTMS) and immediately after the end of the rTMS application (post-rTMS/post-sham rTMS). Results: The analysis of RTs showed that the main effects of switching and time were statistically significant. Further analysis revealed that the RT of rTMS stimulation was longer than sham rTMS at post-stimulation. ERP analysis showed that there was a significant switching effect in frontal and central scalp location, and the P2 amplitude in switch trials was greater than that in non-switch trials. At post-stimulation, the N2 amplitude of rTMS is more negative than that of sham rTMS at non-switch trials, whereas no such difference was found at switch trials. The P3 amplitude and LPC amplitude are significantly reduced by rTMS at post-stimulation. Conclusion: Low-frequency rTMS of the left DLPFC can cause decline of cognitive flexibility in executive function, resulting in the change of N2 amplitude and the decrease of P3 and LPC components during task switching, which is of positive significance for the evaluation and treatment of executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sishi Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Rehabilitation Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianglong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Rehabilitation Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junqin Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangling Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongrui Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Rehabilitation Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Declerck M, Meade G, Midgley KJ, Holcomb PJ, Roelofs A, Emmorey K. Language control in bimodal bilinguals: Evidence from ERPs. Neuropsychologia 2021; 161:108019. [PMID: 34487737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is currently unclear to what degree language control, which minimizes non-target language interference and increases the probability of selecting target-language words, is similar for sign-speech (bimodal) bilinguals and spoken language (unimodal) bilinguals. To further investigate the nature of language control processes in bimodal bilinguals, we conducted the first event-related potential (ERP) language switching study with hearing American Sign Language (ASL)-English bilinguals. The results showed a pattern that has not been observed in any unimodal language switching study: a switch-related positivity over anterior sites and a switch-related negativity over posterior sites during ASL production in both early and late time windows. No such pattern was found during English production. We interpret these results as evidence that bimodal bilinguals uniquely engage language control at the level of output modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Declerck
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Linguistics and Literary Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gabriela Meade
- Joint Doctoral Program in Language and Communicative Disorders, San Diego State University & University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Phillip J Holcomb
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Ardi Roelofs
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Karen Emmorey
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
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10
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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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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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11
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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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12
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Brouwer J, van den Berg F, Knooihuizen R, Loerts H, Keijzer M. Exploring Language Learning as a Potential Tool against Cognitive Impairment in Late-Life Depression: Two Meta-Analyses and Suggestions for Future Research. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:E132. [PMID: 32878051 PMCID: PMC7551097 DOI: 10.3390/bs10090132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-life depression (LLD) affects about an eighth of community-dwelling seniors. LLD impacts well-being, with loneliness and small social networks being typical. It has also been linked to cognitive dysfunction and an increased risk of developing dementia. Safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments for LLD have been debated, and cognitive dysfunction often persists even after remission. Various cognitive interventions have been proposed for LLD. Among these, one has received special attention: foreign language learning could serve as a social intervention that simultaneously targets brain structures affected in LLD. Lifelong bilingualism may significantly delay the onset of cognitive impairment symptoms by boosting cognitive reserve. Even late-life foreign language learning without lifelong bilingualism can train cognitive flexibility. It is then counterintuitive that the effects of language learning on LLD have never been examined. In order to create a theoretical basis for further interdisciplinary research, this paper presents a status quo of current work through two meta-analyses investigating cognitive functioning in LLD on the one hand and in senior bilinguals or seniors following a language course on the other hand. While LLD was consistently associated with cognitive dysfunction, inconsistent results were found for bilingualism and language learners. Possible reasons for this and suggestions for future research are subsequently discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Brouwer
- Department of Linguistics & English as a Second Language, University of Groningen, 9712 EK Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.v.d.B.); (R.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Floor van den Berg
- Department of Linguistics & English as a Second Language, University of Groningen, 9712 EK Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.v.d.B.); (R.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Remco Knooihuizen
- Department of Linguistics & English as a Second Language, University of Groningen, 9712 EK Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.v.d.B.); (R.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Hanneke Loerts
- Department of Minorities and Multilingualism, University of Groningen, 9712 EK Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Merel Keijzer
- Department of Linguistics & English as a Second Language, University of Groningen, 9712 EK Groningen, The Netherlands; (F.v.d.B.); (R.K.); (M.K.)
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Celik S, Kokje E, Meyer P, Frölich L, Teichmann B. Does bilingualism influence neuropsychological test performance in older adults? A systematic review. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:855-873. [PMID: 32677470 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1788032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using standardized tests which have been normed on monolinguals for the assessment of bilinguals presents challenges to the accurate characterization of cognitive profile as the literature provides compelling evidence for the influence of bilingualism on cognitive abilities. However, little is known about the generalizability of these findings to clinical neuropsychology. The aim of this review was to address this gap by summarizing current evidence on the performance of bilingual older adults on standardized tests routinely used in clinical practice. METHOD A systematic search of Web of Science, PsycINFO and PubMed was conducted. 27 cross-sectional and longitudinal studies which use at least one standardized neuropsychological test for cognitive impairment were included in the review. Potential demographic (cultural/linguistic background of the participants, immigrant status), clinical (diagnostic status), and methodological confounders (language of test administration, components of bilingualism) were also examined. The review protocol was registered at the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Review with registration number CRD42018114658. RESULTS The results of this review revealed some bilingual advantage on measures of inhibitory control and bilingual disadvantage on measures of verbal fluency in cross-sectional studies. Bilingualism status was not associated with test performance in longitudinal studies. However, findings lack consistency due to demographic variables and methodological differences across studies. CONCLUSION Neuropsychological tests assessing language domains and, to some extent executive function act as clinically relevant features of bilingualism for neuropsychological evaluation. However, immigration status, acculturation level and language of test administration needs to be taken into account when assessing bilingual older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simge Celik
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eesha Kokje
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patric Meyer
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Applied Psychology, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz Frölich
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Teichmann
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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