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Voits T, DeLuca V, Hao J, Elin K, Abutalebi J, Duñabeitia JA, Berglund G, Gabrielsen A, Rook J, Thomsen H, Waagen P, Rothman J. Degree of multilingual engagement modulates resting state oscillatory activity across the lifespan. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:70-80. [PMID: 38735176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Multilingualism has been demonstrated to lead to a more favorable trajectory of neurocognitive aging, yet our understanding of its effect on neurocognition across the lifespan remains limited. We collected resting state EEG recordings from a sample of multilingual individuals across a wide age range. Additionally, we obtained data on participant multilingual language use patterns alongside other known lifestyle enrichment factors. Language experience was operationalized via a modified multilingual diversity (MLD) score. Generalized additive modeling was employed to examine the effects and interactions of age and MLD on resting state oscillatory power and coherence. The data suggest an independent modulatory effect of individualized multilingual engagement on age-related differences in whole brain resting state power across alpha and theta bands, and an interaction between age and MLD on resting state coherence in alpha, theta, and low beta. These results provide evidence of multilingual engagement as an independent correlational factor related to differences in resting state EEG power, consistent with the claim that multilingualism can serve as a protective factor in neurocognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toms Voits
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Jiuzhou Hao
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kirill Elin
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jubin Abutalebi
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jon Andoni Duñabeitia
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Universidad Nebrija Research Center in Cognition (CINC), Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Janine Rook
- Department of Applied Linguistics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hilde Thomsen
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Jason Rothman
- UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Universidad Nebrija Research Center in Cognition (CINC), Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
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Yow W, Sou KL, Wong AC. A Novel Dual-Language Touch-Screen Intervention to Slow Down Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae052. [PMID: 38974776 PMCID: PMC11227001 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Bilingualism has been suggested to protect older adults from cognitive aging and delay the onset of dementia. However, no studies have systematically explored bilingual usage as a tool to mitigate age-related cognitive decline. We developed the Dual-Language Intervention in Semantic memory-Computerized (DISC), a novel cognitive training program with three training tasks (object categorization, verbal fluency, and utility of things) designed specifically for older adults that featured two modes: single-language (SL) exposure mode and dual-language (DL) exposure mode. Research Design and Methods The final sample included 50 cognitively healthy (CH; 33 female, M age = 72.93 years, range = 53.08-87.43 years) and 48 cognitively impaired (CI; 35 female, M age = 80.93 years, range = 62.31-96.67 years) older adults, randomly assigned them into one of three groups: SL group, DL group, and control group (no training). Participants in SL and DL groups used DISC in either SL mode (i.e., training instructions were spoken in only one language throughout the entire training) or DL mode (i.e., training instructions alternated between two languages), respectively, for 24 sessions. Participants in the control group were asked to continue with their normal daily activities (e.g., playing bingo and reading newspapers). Results For CH older adults, we found significant improvements in the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) Trial 5 score and the Clock Drawing Test score in the DL group but not in the SL and control groups posttraining compared with pretraining. For CI older adults, there was a delayed improvement in the RAVLT Trial 1, six months later. Discussion and Implications Our findings provided novel evidence that implementing DL cognitive training benefits CH older adult's late verbal learning and visuospatial construction skills, and a delayed improvement in CI older adults' early verbal learning abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Quin Yow
- Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ka Lon Sou
- Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alina Clarise Wong
- Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore
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Koevoet D, Postma A. Is there selective retroactive memory enhancement in humans?: a meta-analysis. Psychon Bull Rev 2024; 31:531-540. [PMID: 37749381 PMCID: PMC11061014 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-023-02372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Memory is an adaptive and flexible system that preferentially stores motivationally relevant information. However, in some cases information that is initially irrelevant can become relevant at a later time. The question arises whether and to what extent the memory system can retroactively boost memories of the initially irrelevant information. Experimental studies in animals and humans have provided evidence for such retroactive memory boosting. Additionally, these studies suggest that retroactive memory enhancement (RME) can be selective to the semantic meaning of the material. Nonetheless, recent experimental work could not replicate these findings, posing the question whether the selective RME effect is reliable. To synthesize the available evidence, we conducted meta-analyses of 14 experiments. Although the classical meta-analytic procedure suggested a small selective RME effect, Cohen's dz = 0.16, when accounting for small-study bias using robust Bayesian meta-analysis the null hypothesis was supported, Cohen's dz = 0.02, BF01 = 3.03. Furthermore strong evidence was found for a bias due to small-study effects, BF10 = 11.39. Together, this calls the reliability of a selective RME effect into question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Koevoet
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert Postma
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Anderson JAE, Yurtsever A, Fisher-Skau O, Cherep LA, MacPhee I, Luk G, Grundy JG. Examining the consistency in bilingualism and white matter research: A meta-analysis. Neuropsychologia 2024; 195:108801. [PMID: 38244768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between bilingualism, age, L2 onset age of acquisition (AoA), and white matter integrity (operationalized as fractional anisotropy, FA), addressing inconsistencies in the literature. We conducted a meta-analysis of 23 studies and used meta-regression models to assess the influence of age and L2AoA on effect sizes in studies comparing monolinguals and bilinguals. Even though the overall between-group effect size across the whole brain was unreliable, bilingualism was associated with increased white matter integrity in specific tracts and in groups with a limited range of age and L2AoA. Age had a small, negative effect on white matter integrity, with differences between monolinguals and bilinguals more pronounced in younger adults, consistent with a view of an initial increase in white matter integrity, followed by remodeling for efficiency over time. In contrast, later L2AoA was associated with greater white matter integrity in bilinguals than monolinguals, again consistent with the remodeling for efficiency model. Our findings highlight the importance of considering age and L2AoA when examining the neural basis of bilingualism on white matter in the brain and how bilingualism contributes to structural changes that stave off cognitive decline in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A E Anderson
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada.
| | | | - Odin Fisher-Skau
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | | | - Imola MacPhee
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Gigi Luk
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Canada
| | - John G Grundy
- Iowa State University, Department of Psychology, USA
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Menon AJ, Malo PK, Jain S, Gandhi S, Sundarakumar JS, Rai P, Issac TG. Association between multilingualism and cognitive performance among older adults in rural southern India. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2024; 15:81-85. [PMID: 38476421 PMCID: PMC10927057 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_376_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recent studies have shown that multilingualism may play an important role in enhancing cognitive health. The process of language acquisition constitutes a form of natural brain training, which in turn is hypothesized to increase neuroplasticity and hence, maintains the cognitive reserve. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the number of languages known to an individual and its effect on cognitive functioning in both healthy and cognitively impaired study participants. Materials and Methods This study utilized cross-sectional (baseline) data from Srinivasapura Aging, Neuro Senescence and COGnition study, which is an ongoing community-based, longitudinal aging cohort study conducted in a rural setting in southern India. A total of 3725 participants were considered for the study. The participants were separated into two groups, namely, monolinguals (participants knowing one language) and multilingual (participants knowing more than one language). The cognitive performance of the participants was assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale. In addition, bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results The result of CDR scores with respect to language category shows that, among the monolingual participants, 86.5% were healthy individuals and 13.5% were with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Similarly, among the multilingual, 94.3% were healthy and 5.7% were with MCI. The odds ratio value derived from logistic regression (0.69 95% CI (0.5-0.9)) that an individual has a higher chance of developing cognitive impairment if he/she is a monolingual. Conclusion This study highlights that knowing more than one language might have a profound positive impact on cognitive health, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Palash Kumar Malo
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shubham Jain
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandhya Gandhi
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Pooja Rai
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Thomas Gregor Issac
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Downer B, Milani S, Grasso S, Lucas FL, Mehta N. Dual-Language Use and Cognitive Function Among Mexican Americans Aged 65 and Older. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:1105-1115. [PMID: 38759004 PMCID: PMC11293886 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231187] [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: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Better English proficiency and higher frequency of using English among non-native speakers are associated with lower dementia risk. Objective We investigated if Mexican American older adults who use English and Spanish to a more similar degree demonstrate better cognitive function than those who use one language more than the other. Methods We used data from waves one (1992/93) to eight (2012/13) of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. At baseline, participants were asked what language they usually use across communicative contexts. We based dual language on participants' use of Spanish and English within and across contexts. We categorized participants as low (n = 1,145), medium (n = 717), and high (n = 702) dual-language users. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the association between dual-language use, baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and change in MMSE. Results Participants in the medium and high dual-language use categories scored 1.91 points and 3.03 points higher at wave one compared to the low dual-language use category. Adjusting for education reduced the association between dual-language use and baseline MMSE (medium B = 0.99 SE = 0.19 p < 0.01; high B = 1.41 SE = 0.21 p < 0.01). The association between dual-language use and decline in the MMSE was not statistically significant. Conclusions Greater dual-language use was associated with higher MMSE scores but not change in MMSE scores among Mexican Americans aged 65 and older. Future work should characterize bilingualism with greater nuance and use more rigorous cognitive measures to identify the components of the bilingual experience that may benefit the cognitive functioning of older adult bilinguals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Downer
- Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, School of Public and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sadaf Milani
- Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Neil Mehta
- Sealy Center on Aging, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Stevens WD, Khan N, Anderson JAE, Grady CL, Bialystok E. A neural mechanism of cognitive reserve: The case of bilingualism. Neuroimage 2023; 281:120365. [PMID: 37683809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive Reserve (CR) refers to the preservation of cognitive function in the face of age- or disease-related neuroanatomical decline. While bilingualism has been shown to contribute to CR, the extent to which, and what particular aspect of, second language experience contributes to CR are debated, and the underlying neural mechanism(s) unknown. Intrinsic functional connectivity reflects experience-dependent neuroplasticity that occurs across timescales ranging from minutes to decades, and may be a neural mechanism underlying CR. To test this hypothesis, we used voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity analyses of MRI data to compare structural and functional brain integrity between monolingual and bilingual older adults, matched on cognitive performance, and across levels of second language proficiency measured as a continuous variable. Bilingualism, and degree of second language proficiency specifically, were associated with lower gray matter integrity in a hub of the default mode network - a region that is particularly vulnerable to decline in aging and dementia - but preserved intrinsic functional network organization. Bilingualism moderated the association between neuroanatomical differences and cognitive decline, such that lower gray matter integrity was associated with lower executive function in monolinguals, but not bilinguals. Intrinsic functional network integrity predicted executive function when controlling for group differences in gray matter integrity and language status. Our findings confirm that lifelong bilingualism is a CR factor, as bilingual older adults performed just as well as their monolingual peers on tasks of executive function, despite showing signs of more advanced neuroanatomical aging, and that this is a consequence of preserved intrinsic functional network organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Dale Stevens
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Naail Khan
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - John A E Anderson
- Department of Cognitive Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Grady
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ellen Bialystok
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada; Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Peitz K, Stumme J, Jockwitz C, Bittner N, Caspers S, Heim S. The influence of bilingualism on gray matter volume in the course of aging: a longitudinal study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1193283. [PMID: 37547741 PMCID: PMC10400456 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1193283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bilingualism is associated with higher gray matter volume (GMV) as a form of brain reserve in brain regions such as the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). A recent cross-sectional study reported the age-related GMV decline in the left IFG and IPL to be steeper for bilinguals than for monolinguals. The present study aimed at supporting this finding for the first time with longitudinal data. Methods In the current study, 200 participants aged 19 to 79 years (87 monolinguals, 113 sequential bilinguals, mostly native German speakers with variable second language background) were included. Trajectories of GMV decline in the bilateral IFG and IPL were analyzed in mono- and bilinguals over two time points (mean time interval: 3.6 years). For four regions of interest (left/right IFG and left/right IPL), mixed Analyses of Covariance were conducted to assess (i) GMV changes over time, (ii) GMV differences for language groups (monolinguals/bilinguals), and (iii) the interaction between time point and language group. Corresponding analyses were conducted for the two factors of GMV, surface area (SA) and cortical thickness (CT). Results There was higher GMV in bilinguals compared to monolinguals in the IPL, but not IFG. While the left and right IFG and the right IPL displayed a similar GMV change in mono- and bilinguals, GMV decline within the left IPL was significantly steeper in bilinguals. There was greater SA in bilinguals in the bilateral IPL and a steeper CT decline in bilinguals within in the left IPL. Conclusion The cross-sectional observations of a steeper GMV decline in bilinguals could be confirmed for the left IPL. Additionally, the higher GMV in bilinguals in the bilateral IPL may indicate that bilingualism contributes to brain reserve especially in posterior brain regions. SA appeared to contribute to bilinguals' higher GMV in the bilateral IPL, while CT seemed to account for the steeper structural decline in bilinguals in the left IPL. The present findings demonstrate the importance of time as an additional factor when assessing the neuroprotective effects of bilingualism on structural features of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Peitz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johanna Stumme
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christiane Jockwitz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nora Bittner
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Svenja Caspers
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Heim
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Azhar S, Ross AM, Keller E, Weed J, Acevedo G. Predictors of Food Insecurity and Childhood Hunger in the Bronx During the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILD & ADOLESCENT SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL : C & A 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37363071 PMCID: PMC10183692 DOI: 10.1007/s10560-023-00927-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted a survey of 218 food pantry recipients in the south Bronx to determine predictors of food insecurity and childhood hunger. In adjusted multiple regression models, statistically significant risk factors for food insecurity included: having one or more children and not having health insurance. Statistically significant protectors against childhood hunger were: having a graduate degree, having health insurance and Spanish being spoken at home. Experiencing depression symptoms was positively associated with both food insecurity and childhood hunger. Frequency of food pantry use was not significantly associated with either food insecurity nor childhood hunger. This study suggests that targeting families with multiple children and without insurance will best help to promote food security among residents of the south Bronx. Social policy implications related to food security and benefit provision through the COVID-19 pandemic are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameena Azhar
- Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, 113 W. 60th Street, Room 716E, New York, NY 10023 USA
| | - Abigail M. Ross
- Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, 113 W. 60th Street, Room 716E, New York, NY 10023 USA
| | - Eve Keller
- Fordham University, Fordham College at Rose Hill, New York, USA
| | | | - Gregory Acevedo
- Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, 113 W. 60th Street, Room 716E, New York, NY 10023 USA
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Stasenko A, Kaestner E, Arienzo D, Schadler A, Reyes A, Shih JJ, Helm JL, Połczyńska M, McDonald CR. Bilingualism and Structural Network Organization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Resilience in Neurologic Disease. Neurology 2023; 100:e1887-e1899. [PMID: 36854619 PMCID: PMC10159767 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is growing evidence that bilingualism can induce neuroplasticity and modulate neural efficiency, resulting in greater resistance to neurologic disease. However, whether bilingualism is beneficial to neural health in the presence of epilepsy is unknown. We tested whether bilingual individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have improved whole-brain structural white matter network organization. METHODS Healthy controls and individuals with TLE recruited from 2 specialized epilepsy centers completed diffusion-weighted MRI and neuropsychological testing as part of an observational cohort study. Whole-brain connectomes were generated via diffusion tractography and analyzed using graph theory. Global analyses compared network integration (path length) and specialization (transitivity) in TLE vs controls and in a 2 (left vs right TLE) × 2 (bilingual vs monolingual) model. Local analyses compared mean local efficiency of predefined frontal-executive and language (i.e., perisylvian) subnetworks. Exploratory correlations examined associations between network organization and neuropsychological performance. RESULTS A total of 29 bilingual and 88 monolingual individuals with TLE matched on several demographic and clinical variables and 81 age-matched healthy controls were included. Globally, a significant interaction between language status and side of seizure onset revealed higher network organization in bilinguals compared with monolinguals but only in left TLE (LTLE). Locally, bilinguals with LTLE showed higher efficiency in frontal-executive but not in perisylvian networks compared with LTLE monolinguals. Improved whole-brain network organization was associated with better executive function performance in bilingual but not monolingual LTLE. DISCUSSION Higher white matter network organization in bilingual individuals with LTLE suggests a neuromodulatory effect of bilingualism on whole-brain connectivity in epilepsy, providing evidence for neural reserve. This may reflect attenuation of or compensation for epilepsy-related dysfunction of the left hemisphere, potentially driven by increased efficiency of frontal-executive networks that mediate dual-language control. This highlights a potential role of bilingualism as a protective factor in epilepsy, motivating further research across neurologic disorders to define mechanisms and develop interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Stasenko
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Erik Kaestner
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Donatello Arienzo
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Adam Schadler
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Anny Reyes
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jerry J Shih
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jonathan L Helm
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Monika Połczyńska
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Carrie R McDonald
- From the Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, A.R., C.R.M.), Department of Psychiatry (A. Stasenko, E.K., D.A., A. Schadler, C.R.M.), Department of Radiation Medicine & Applied Sciences (A.R., C.R.M.), and Department of Neurosciences (J.J.S.), University of California, San Diego; Department of Psychology (J.L.H.), San Diego State University, CA; and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (M.P.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles.
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11
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Meyer OL, Park VT, Kanaya AM, Farias ST, Hinton L, Tiet QQ, Vuong Q, Nguyen S, Harvey D, Whitmer RA. Inclusion of Vietnamese Americans: Opportunities to understand dementia disparities. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2023; 9:e12392. [PMID: 37251911 PMCID: PMC10209515 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12392] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is a dearth of research on cognitive aging and dementia in Asian Americans, particularly Vietnamese Americans, who are the fourth largest Asian subgroup in the United States. The National Institutes of Health is mandated to make certain that racially and ethnically diverse populations are included in clinical research. Despite the widespread recognition to ensure that research findings can be generalizable to all groups, there are no estimates of the prevalence or incidence of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in Vietnamese Americans, nor do we understand ADRD risk and protective factors in this group. In this article, we posit that studying Vietnamese Americans contributes to a better understanding of ADRD in general and offers unique opportunities for elucidating life course and sociocultural factors that contribute to cognitive aging disparities. That is, the unique context of Vietnamese Americans may provide understanding in terms of within-group heterogeneity and key factors in ADRD and cognitive aging. Here, we provide a brief history of Vietnamese American immigration and describe the large but often ignored heterogeneity of Asian Americans in the United States, elucidate how early life adversity and stress might influence late-life cognitive aging, and provide a basis for the role of sociocultural and health factors in the study of Vietnamese cognitive aging disparities. Research with older Vietnamese Americans provides a unique and timely opportunity to more fully delineate the factors that contribute to ADRD disparities for all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh L. Meyer
- School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Van Ta Park
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alka M. Kanaya
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ladson Hinton
- School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Quyen Q. Tiet
- California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International UniversityEmeryvilleCaliforniaUSA
- National Center for PTSDDissemination and Training DivisionVA Palo Alto Health Care SystemMenlo ParkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Quyen Vuong
- International Children Assistance Network (ICAN)San JoseCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Danielle Harvey
- School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rachel A. Whitmer
- School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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12
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Lamar M, Tarraf W, Wu B, Perreira KM, Lipton RB, Khambaty T, Cai J, Llabre MM, Gallo LC, Daviglus ML, González HM. The Spanish-English bilingual experience and cognitive change in Hispanics/Latinos from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:875-883. [PMID: 35768881 PMCID: PMC9797616 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies suggest bilingualism may delay behavioral manifestations of adverse cognitive aging including Alzheimer's dementia. METHODS Three thousand nine hundred sixty-three participants (unweighted mean population age ≈56 years) at Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos baseline (2008-2011) self-reported their and their parents' birth outside the United States, Spanish as their first language, and used Spanish for baseline and comparable cognitive testing 7 years later (2015-2018). Spanish/English language proficiency and patterns of use were self-rated from 1 = only Spanish to 4 = English > Spanish. Cognitive testing included test-specific and global composite score(s) of verbal learning, memory, word fluency, and Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS). Survey linear regression models examined associations between baseline bilingualism scores and cognition. RESULTS Higher second-language (English) proficiency and use were associated with higher global cognition, fluency, and DSS at follow-up and better than predicted change in fluency. DISCUSSION The bilingual experience was more consistently related to 7-year level versus change in cognition for Hispanics/Latinos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lamar
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Minority Health Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wassim Tarraf
- Institute of Gerontology and Department of Healthcare Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Benson Wu
- Department of Neurosciences and Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Krista M Perreira
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard B Lipton
- Department of Neurology, Epidemiology and Population Health, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Tasneem Khambaty
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jianwen Cai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria M Llabre
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Linda C Gallo
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Martha L Daviglus
- Institute for Minority Health Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hector M González
- Department of Neurosciences and Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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13
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Meltzer JA, Kates Rose M, Le AY, Spencer KA, Goldstein L, Gubanova A, Lai AC, Yossofzai M, Armstrong SEM, Bialystok E. Improvement in executive function for older adults through smartphone apps: a randomized clinical trial comparing language learning and brain training. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2023; 30:150-171. [PMID: 34694201 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2021.1991262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism has been linked to improved executive function and delayed onset of dementia, but it is unknown whether similar benefits can be obtained later in life through deliberate intervention. Given the logistical hurdles of second language acquisition in a randomized trial for older adults, few interventional studies have been done thus far. However, recently developed smartphone apps offer a convenient means to acquire skills in a second language and can be compared with brain training apps specifically designed to improve executive function. In a randomized clinical trial, 76 adults aged 65-75 were assigned to either 16 weeks of Spanish learning using the app Duolingo 30 minutes a day, an equivalent amount of brain training using the app BrainHQ, or a waitlist control condition. Executive function was assessed before and after the intervention with preregistered (NCT03638882) tests previously linked to better performance in bilinguals. For two of the primary measures: incongruent Stroop color naming and 2-back accuracy, Duolingo provided equivalent benefits as BrainHQ compared to a control group. On reaction time for N-back and Simon tests, the BrainHQ group alone experienced strong gains over the other two groups. Duolingo was rated as more enjoyable. These results suggest that app-based language learning may provide some similar benefits as brain training in improving executive function in seniors but has less impact on processing speed. However, future advancements in app design may optimize not only the acquisition of the target language but also the side benefits of the language learning experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jed A Meltzer
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Mira Kates Rose
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Anna Y Le
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Kiah A Spencer
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Leora Goldstein
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Alina Gubanova
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Abbie C Lai
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Maryam Yossofzai
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada
| | | | - Ellen Bialystok
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto ON, Canada
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14
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The Protective Role of Cognitive Reserve in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051759. [PMID: 36902545 PMCID: PMC10002518 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive reserve (CR) represents the ability to optimize performance and functioning to cope with brain damage or disease. CR reflects the capability to adaptively and flexibly use cognitive processes and brain networks to compensate for the deterioration typical of aging. Several studies have investigated the potential role of CR in aging, especially from the perspective of preventing and protecting against dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This systematic literature review aimed to investigate the role of CR as a protective factor against MCI and associated cognitive decline. The review process was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. For this purpose, ten studies were analyzed. The results of this review show that high CR is significantly associated with a reduced risk of MCI. In addition, a significant positive relationship between CR and cognitive functioning is observed when comparing subjects with MCI and healthy subjects and within people with MCI. Thus, the results confirm the positive role of cognitive reserve in mitigating cognitive impairment. The evidence from this systematic review is consistent with the theoretical models of CR. Indeed, previous research hypothesized that specific individual experiences (such as leisure activities) allow a person to acquire successful neural resources over the years to cope with cognitive decline.
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15
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Calvo N, Grundy JG, Bialystok E. Bilingualism modulates neural efficiency at rest through alpha reactivity. Neuropsychologia 2023; 180:108486. [PMID: 36657519 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate how resting state EEG rhythms reflect attentional processes and bilingual experience. We compared alpha and beta rhythms for monolingual and bilingual young adults in eyes open and eyes closed conditions using EEG measures of frequency power, reactivity, and coherence. Power shows the amount of brain activity at a given frequency band; reactivity indexes the desynchronization of neuronal activity when individuals open their eyes at rest; and coherence indicates the brain regions that have correlated activity. The results showed that bilinguals had similar alpha power as monolinguals in both resting conditions but less alpha reactivity across the whole scalp. There was also more focused activation for bilinguals expressed as more coherence in posterior electrodes, particularly when eyes were opened to direct attention. For beta, there were no group differences in power or reactivity, but there was higher coherence for monolinguals than bilinguals, a pattern consistent with previous literature showing that beta frequency was related to language learning and native language proficiency. These results are in line with a neural efficiency theory and suggest that bilinguals have a more efficient brain for attentional mechanisms than monolinguals at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Calvo
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John G Grundy
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ellen Bialystok
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Kim Y, Ye Z, Leventhal Z, Wang WJ, Thiessen ED. Effects of language background on executive function: Transfer across task and modality. Front Psychol 2023; 13:923123. [PMID: 36687953 PMCID: PMC9849579 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The relation between linguistic experience and cognitive function has been of great interest, but recent investigations of this question have produced widely disparate results, ranging from proposals for a "bilingual advantage," to a "bilingual disadvantage," to claims of no difference at all as a function of language. There are many possible sources for this lack of consensus, including the heterogeneity of bilingual populations, and the choice of different tasks and implementations across labs. We propose that another reason for this inconsistency is the task demands of transferring from linguistic experience to laboratory tasks can differ greatly as the task is modified. In this study, we show that task modality (visual, audio, and orthographic) can yield different patterns of performance between monolingual and multilingual participants. The very same task can show similarities or differences in performance, as a function of modality. In turn, this may be explained by the distance of transfer - how close (or far) the laboratory task is to the day to day lived experience of language usage. We suggest that embodiment may provide a useful framework for thinking about task transfer by helping to define the processes of linguistic production and comprehension in ways that are easily connected to task manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonwoo Kim
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zixuan Ye
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zachary Leventhal
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,Department of Economics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wei-Ju Wang
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Erik D. Thiessen
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,*Correspondence: Erik D. Thiessen,
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17
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Calvo N, Anderson JAE, Berkes M, Freedman M, Craik FIM, Bialystok E. Gray Matter Volume as Evidence for Cognitive Reserve in Bilinguals With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2023; 37:7-12. [PMID: 36821175 PMCID: PMC10128621 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with monolinguals, bilinguals have a later onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease symptoms and greater neuropathology at similar cognitive and clinical levels. The present study follows a previous report showing the faster conversion from MCI to Alzheimer disease for bilingual patients than comparable monolinguals, as predicted by a cognitive reserve (CR). PURPOSE Identify whether the increased CR found for bilinguals in the previous study was accompanied by greater gray matter (GM) atrophy than was present for the monolinguals. METHODS A novel deep-learning technique based on convolutional neural networks was used to enhance clinical scans into 1 mm MPRAGEs and analyze the GM volume at the time of MCI diagnosis in the earlier study. PATIENTS Twenty-four bilingual and 24 monolingual patients were diagnosed with MCI at a hospital memory clinic. RESULTS Bilingual patients had more GM loss than monolingual patients in areas related to language processing, attention, decision-making, motor function, and episodic memory retrieval. Bilingualism and age were the strongest predictors of atrophy after other variables such as immigration and education were included in a multivariate model. DISCUSSION CR from bilingualism is evident in the initial stages of neurodegeneration after MCI has been diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Morris Freedman
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Baycrest, Mt. Sinai Hospital, and University of Toronto
| | | | - Ellen Bialystok
- York University, Department of Psychology
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, Toronto
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18
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Carthery-Goulart MT, Privitera AJ, Weekes BS. Does Language Distance Modulate the Contribution of Bilingualism to Cognitive Reserve in Seniors? A Systematic Review. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2023; 38:15333175231167223. [PMID: 37186676 PMCID: PMC10623985 DOI: 10.1177/15333175231167223] [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: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We report a systematic review and exploratory meta-regression investigating the hypothesis that the effects of bilingualism on cognitive reserve are modulated by the distance between the pair of languages a bilingual uses. An inclusive multiple database search was performed in order to identify all relevant published research conducted in bilingual seniors. A combination of qualitative and quantitative synthesis methods were used in order to investigate our research questions. Results suggest that healthy bilingual seniors speaking more distant language pairs show improved monitoring performance on cognitive tasks. Evidence regarding a modulatory influence of language distance (LD) on the age of dementia diagnosis was inconclusive due to the small number of published studies meeting our inclusion criteria. We recommend more detailed reporting of individual differences in bilingual experience to assess the impact of LD and other variables on typical cognitive aging and the development of dementia. Linguistic differences in samples should also be considered as a constraint on bilingual advantages in future studies. Preregistration: PROSPERO CRD42021238705; OSF DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VPRBU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Carthery-Goulart
- Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adam John Privitera
- Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Research and Development in Learning, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Brendan Stuart Weekes
- Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIA, Australia
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19
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Grossmann JA, Aschenbrenner S, Teichmann B, Meyer P. Foreign language learning can improve response inhibition in individuals with lower baseline cognition: Results from a randomized controlled superiority trial. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1123185. [PMID: 37032827 PMCID: PMC10076596 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1123185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The world's population is aging, increasing the prevalence of dementia. Recently, foreign language learning in later life has been suggested to improve cognition and thus support healthy cognitive aging. To date, however, there are only a few studies with conflicting findings. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether learning a foreign language can improve executive attention and executive functions in healthy older adults. Additionally, we sought to identify factors affecting cognitive change in foreign language learners, such as cognitive reserve, previous foreign knowledge and usage, and global cognition at baseline. Methods In a randomized-controlled trial, we assigned 34 monolinguals between the ages of 65 and 80 to a language learning or a waiting list control group. The participants enrolled in a Spanish course for beginners that met five days a week for 1.5 h for a total of 3 weeks. The waiting list control group received no intervention but had the opportunity to join the language training at the end of the study. All participants underwent an assessment of executive attention (primary outcome), executive functions, verbal fluency, and attention (secondary outcomes) before, immediately after the course, or after a waiting period of 3 weeks for the control group and 3 months after the course or the waiting period. Results Foreign language learning did not significantly improve primary or secondary outcomes, neither immediately nor 3 months after the course. However, moderation analyses revealed that participants with lower global baseline cognition tended to improve more on response inhibition than individuals with higher baseline cognition. This relationship was not evident in the waiting list control group. Discussion Our results suggest that studying a foreign language does not generally improve executive attention or executive functioning. Nevertheless, individuals with poorer baseline cognition may benefit cognitively from foreign language learning in response inhibition, a domain particularly affected by cognitive aging. Our findings highlight the need of focusing dementia prevention efforts on groups that are more vulnerable to cognitive decline. Additionally, more individualized approaches, including utilizing technology-assisted learning, might enable participants to practice at their performance level, increasing the likelihood of discernible cognitive gains. Clinical trial registration https://drks.de/search/en, identifier DRKS00016552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Alina Grossmann
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Judith Alina Grossmann,
| | - Steffen Aschenbrenner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad, Germany
| | - Birgit Teichmann
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patric Meyer
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Applied Psychology, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for General and Applied Linguistics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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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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21
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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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22
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Wood TR, Turknett J. Is the lack of appropriate cognitive demand the primary driver of dementia risk? LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/lim2.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Wood
- Department of Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Pensacola Florida USA
| | - Josh Turknett
- Brainjo Center for Neurology and Cognitive Enhancement Atlanta Georgia USA
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23
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Turknett J, Wood TR. Demand Coupling Drives Neurodegeneration: A Model of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Dementia. Cells 2022; 11:2789. [PMID: 36139364 PMCID: PMC9496827 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other major forms of dementia continues to grow, and multiple pharmacological agents directed towards modifying the pathological "hallmarks" of AD have yielded disappointing results. Though efforts continue towards broadening and deepening our knowledge and understanding of the mechanistic and neuropathological underpinnings of AD, our previous failures motivate a re-examination of how we conceptualize AD pathology and progression. In addition to not yielding effective treatments, the phenotypically heterogeneous biological processes that have been the primary area of focus to date have not been adequately shown to be necessary or sufficient to explain the risk and progression of AD. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence indicates that lifestyle and environment represent the ultimate level of causation for AD and age-related cognitive decline. Specifically, the decline in cognitive demands over the lifespan plays a central role in driving the structural and functional deteriorations of the brain. In the absence of adequate cognitive stimulus, physiological demand-function coupling leads to downregulation of growth, repair, and homeostatic processes, resulting in deteriorating brain tissue health, function, and capacity. In this setting, the heterogeneity of associated neuropathological tissue hallmarks then occurs as a consequence of an individual's genetic and environmental background and are best considered downstream markers of the disease process rather than specific targets for direct intervention. In this manuscript we outline the evidence for a demand-driven model of age-related cognitive decline and dementia and why it mandates a holistic approach to dementia treatment and prevention that incorporates the primary upstream role of cognitive demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Turknett
- Brainjo Center for Neurology and Cognitive Enhancement, Atlanta, GA 30076, USA
| | - Thomas R. Wood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL 32502, USA
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Voits T, DeLuca V, Abutalebi J. The Nuance of Bilingualism as a Reserve Contributor: Conveying Research to the Broader Neuroscience Community. Front Psychol 2022; 13:909266. [PMID: 35814120 PMCID: PMC9263506 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.909266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurological notion of "reserve" arises from an individually observable dissociation between brain health and cognitive status. According to the cognitive reserve hypothesis, high-reserve individuals experience functional compensation for neural atrophy and, thus, are able to maintain relatively stable cognitive functioning with no or smaller-than-expected impairment. Several lifestyle factors such as regular physical exercise, adequate and balanced nutrition, and educational attainment have been widely reported to contribute to reserve and, thus, lead to more successful trajectories of cognitive aging (CA). In recent years, it has become clear that bilingualism is also a potential reserve contributor. Yet, there is little communication between the neuroscience of bilingualism research community and researchers working in the field of CA more generally, despite compelling reasons for it. In fact, bilingualism tends to be overlooked as a contributory factor in the CA literature, or reduced to a dichotomous trait, despite it being a complex experience. Herein, we discuss issues that are preventing recognition of bilingualism as a reserve contributor across all literatures, highlight the benefits of including language experiences as a factor of interest across research disciplines, and suggest a roadmap to better integrate bilingualism and aging moving forward. We close with calls toward a model of aging that examines the contributions across lifestyle factors, including that of bilingual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toms Voits
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vincent DeLuca
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jubin Abutalebi
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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25
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DeLuca V, Voits T. Bilingual experience affects white matter integrity across the lifespan. Neuropsychologia 2022; 169:108191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Stasenko A, Schadler A, Kaestner E, Reyes A, Díaz-Santos M, Połczyńska M, McDonald CR. Can bilingualism increase neuroplasticity of language networks in epilepsy? Epilepsy Res 2022; 182:106893. [PMID: 35278806 PMCID: PMC9050932 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with left temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have a higher rate of atypical (i.e., bilateral or right hemisphere) language lateralization compared to healthy controls. In addition, bilinguals have been observed to have a less left-lateralized pattern of language representation. We examined the combined influence of bilingual language experience and side of seizure focus on language lateralization profiles in TLE to determine whether bilingualism promotes re-organization of language networks. Seventy-two monolingual speakers of English (21 left TLE; LTLE, 22 right TLE; RTLE, 29 age-matched healthy controls; HC) and 24 English-dominant bilinguals (6 LTLE, 7 RTLE, 11 HC) completed a lexical-semantic functional MRI task and standardized measures of language in English. Language lateralization was determined using laterality indices based on activations in left vs right homologous perisylvian regions-of-interest (ROIs). In a fronto-temporal ROI, LTLE showed the expected pattern of weaker left language lateralization relative to HC, and monolinguals showed a trend of weaker left language lateralization relative to bilinguals. Importantly, these effects were qualified by a significant group by language status interaction, revealing that bilinguals with LTLE had greater rightward language lateralization relative to monolingual LTLE, with a large effect size particularly in the lateral temporal region. Rightward language lateralization was associated with better language scores in bilingual LTLE. These preliminary findings suggest a combined effect of bilingual language experience and a left hemisphere neurologic insult, which may together increase the likelihood of language re-organization to the right hemisphere. Our data underscore the need to consider bilingualism as an important factor contributing to language laterality in patients with TLE. Bilingualism may be neuroprotective pre-surgically and may mitigate post-surgical language decline following left anterior temporal lobectomy, which will be important to test in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Stasenko
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Adam Schadler
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erik Kaestner
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anny Reyes
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mirella Díaz-Santos
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Monika Połczyńska
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie R McDonald
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Gallo F, DeLuca V, Prystauka Y, Voits T, Rothman J, Abutalebi J. Bilingualism and Aging: Implications for (Delaying) Neurocognitive Decline. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:819105. [PMID: 35185498 PMCID: PMC8847162 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.819105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of advances in healthcare, the worldwide average life expectancy is steadily increasing. However, this positive trend has societal and individual costs, not least because greater life expectancy is linked to higher incidence of age-related diseases, such as dementia. Over the past few decades, research has isolated various protective "healthy lifestyle" factors argued to contribute positively to cognitive aging, e.g., healthy diet, physical exercise and occupational attainment. The present article critically reviews neuroscientific evidence for another such factor, i.e., speaking multiple languages. Moreover, with multiple societal stakeholders in mind, we contextualize and stress the importance of the research program that seeks to uncover and understand potential connections between bilingual language experience and cognitive aging trajectories, inclusive of the socio-economic impact it can have. If on the right track, this is an important line of research because bilingualism has the potential to cross-over socio-economic divides to a degree other healthy lifestyle factors currently do not and likely cannot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Gallo
- Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincent DeLuca
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Yanina Prystauka
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Toms Voits
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jason Rothman
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición (CINC), University Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jubin Abutalebi
- Centre for Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics (CNPL), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- PoLaR Lab, AcqVA Aurora Centre, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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28
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Sala A, Malpetti M, Farsad M, Lubian F, Magnani G, Frasca Polara G, Epiney J, Abutalebi J, Assal F, Garibotto V, Perani D. Lifelong bilingualism and mechanisms of neuroprotection in Alzheimer dementia. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:581-592. [PMID: 34729858 PMCID: PMC8720191 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifelong bilingualism is associated with delayed dementia onset, suggesting a protective effect on the brain. Here, we aim to study the effects of lifelong bilingualism as a dichotomous and continuous phenomenon, on brain metabolism and connectivity in individuals with Alzheimer's dementia. Ninety-eight patients with Alzheimer's dementia (56 monolinguals; 42 bilinguals) from three centers entered the study. All underwent an [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) imaging session. A language background questionnaire measured the level of language use for conversation and reading. Severity of brain hypometabolism and strength of connectivity of the major neurocognitive networks was compared across monolingual and bilingual individuals, and tested against the frequency of second language life-long usage. Age, years of education, and MMSE score were included in all above mentioned analyses as nuisance covariates. Cerebral hypometabolism was more severe in bilingual compared to monolingual patients; severity of hypometabolism positively correlated with the degree of second language use. The metabolic connectivity analyses showed increased connectivity in the executive, language, and anterior default mode networks in bilingual compared to monolingual patients. The change in neuronal connectivity was stronger in subjects with higher second language use. All effects were most pronounced in the left cerebral hemisphere. The neuroprotective effects of lifelong bilingualism act both against neurodegenerative processes and through the modulation of brain networks connectivity. These findings highlight the relevance of lifelong bilingualism in brain reserve and compensation, supporting bilingual education and social interventions aimed at usage, and maintenance of two or more languages, including dialects, especially crucial in the elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sala
- San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Maura Malpetti
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San RaffaeleMilanItaly
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Mohsen Farsad
- Nuclear Medicine UnitAzienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige BolzanoBolzanoItaly
| | - Francesca Lubian
- Nuclear Medicine UnitAzienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige BolzanoBolzanoItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Frédéric Assal
- Neurology DepartmentUniversity Hospitals GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Valentina Garibotto
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Diagnostic DepartmentUniversity Hospitals GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- NIMTLab, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Daniela Perani
- San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Division of NeuroscienceIRCCS San RaffaeleMilanItaly
- Nuclear Medicine UnitSan Raffaele HospitalMilanItaly
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29
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How does bilingualism modify cognitive function? Attention to the mechanism. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 29:1246-1269. [PMID: 35091993 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02057-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been claimed that bilingual experience leads to an enhancement of cognitive control across the lifespan, a claim that has been investigated by comparing monolingual and bilingual groups performing standard executive function (EF) tasks. The results of these studies have been inconsistent, however, leading to controversy over the essential assumptions underlying the research program, namely, whether bilingualism produces cognitive change. We argue that the source of the inconsistency is not in the evidence but rather in the framework that has typically been used to motivate the research and interpret the results. We examine the componential view of EF with its central role for inhibition and argue that it provides a poor fit to both bilingual experience and the results of these studies. As an alternative, we propose a more holistic account based on attentional control that overrides the processes in the componential model of EF and applies to a wider range of tasks. The key element in our account is that behavioral differences between monolingual and bilingual individuals reflect differences in the efficiency and deployment of attentional control between the two language groups. In support of this point we show how attentional control provides a more satisfactory account for a range of findings that cannot reasonably be attributed to inhibition. We also suggest that group differences will emerge only when the attentional demands of a task exceed the control abilities of one of the groups, regardless of the EF components involved. We then review literature from across the lifespan to evaluate the extent to which this account is consistent with existing evidence, and conclude with some suggestions on how the field may be advanced by new lines of empirical enquiry.
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30
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Voits T, Robson H, Rothman J, Pliatsikas C. The effects of bilingualism on hippocampal volume in ageing bilinguals. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:979-994. [PMID: 34985602 PMCID: PMC8930894 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02436-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Long-term management of more than one language has been argued to contribute to changes in brain and cognition. This has been particularly well documented in older age, where bilingualism has been linked to protective effects against neurocognitive decline. Since memory difficulties are key aspects of this decline, herein we examine potential effects of bilingualism on the hippocampus, a brain structure related to memory that is particularly vulnerable to cognitive ageing. Hippocampal volume has been shown to increase as a result of second language learning and use in younger adults. However, it is unknown if this is maintained throughout the lifespan. We examine hippocampal volume and episodic memory performance in a participant sample consisting of healthy older individuals with a wide range of experiences in exposure and using a second language. Results reveal greater hippocampal volume calibrated to degree of quantified dual language use. Our results mirror those of immersive active bilingualism in younger populations, suggesting that long-term active bilingualism leads to neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus. We discuss this in the context of literature proposing bilingualism-induced brain reserve in the older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toms Voits
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Holly Robson
- Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, Chandler House, 2 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PF, UK
| | - Jason Rothman
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.,Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Universidad Nebrija, Calle de Sta. Cruz de Marcenado, 27, 28015, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christos Pliatsikas
- Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Universidad Nebrija, Calle de Sta. Cruz de Marcenado, 27, 28015, Madrid, Spain.,School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Harry Pitt Building, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
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31
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Berkes M, Bialystok E. Bilingualism as a Contributor to Cognitive Reserve: What it Can do and What it Cannot do. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2022; 37:15333175221091417. [PMID: 35470704 PMCID: PMC10581104 DOI: 10.1177/15333175221091417] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of effective pharmacological interventions for the prevention of dementia, attention has turned to lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive reserve. Although cognitive reserve cannot prevent the occurrence of disease, the trajectory is different for high reserve and low reserve patients, giving more time for independent living to high reserve individuals. We argue that lifelong bilingual experience meets the criteria for an experience that confers cognitive reserve, although neural reserve, a related concept, is more difficult to validate. Bilingual patients show symptoms at a later stage of disease and decline more rapidly than comparable monolingual patients. These patterns are considered in terms of evidence from behavioural, imaging and epidemiological studies. Finally, the role of bilingualism in protecting against symptoms of some forms of dementia are discussed in the context of other protective factors and the limits of this reserve approach in dealing with the consequences of dementia.
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32
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Pereira Soares SM, Kubota M, Rossi E, Rothman J. Determinants of bilingualism predict dynamic changes in resting state EEG oscillations. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2021; 223:105030. [PMID: 34634607 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2021.105030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study uses resting state EEG data from 103 bilinguals to understand how determinants of bilingualism may reshape the mind/brain. Participants completed the LSBQ, which quantifies language use and crucially the division of labor of dual-language use in diverse activities and settings over the lifespan. We hypothesized correlations between the degree of active bilingualism with power of neural oscillations in specific frequency bands. Moreover, we anticipated levels of mean coherence (connectivity between brain regions) to vary by degree of bilingual language experience. Results demonstrated effects of Age of L2/2L1 onset on high beta and gamma powers. Higher usage of the non-societal language at home and society modulated indices of functional connectivity in theta, alpha and gamma frequencies. Results add to the emerging literature on the neuromodulatory effects of bilingualism for rs-EEG, and are in line with claims that bilingualism effects are modulated by degree of engagement with dual-language experiential factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maki Kubota
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | | | - Jason Rothman
- Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway; Centro de Ciencia Cognitiva, Universidad Antonio De Nebrija, Spain.
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33
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Navarro-Torres CA, Beatty-Martínez AL, Kroll JF, Green DW. Research on bilingualism as discovery science. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2021; 222:105014. [PMID: 34530360 PMCID: PMC8978084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2021.105014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An important aim of research on bilingualism is to understand how the brain adapts to the demands of using more than one language.In this paper, we argue that pursuing such an aim entails valuing our research as a discovery process that acts on variety.Prescriptions about sample size and methodology, rightly aimed at establishing a sound basis for generalization, should be understood as being in the service of science as a discovery process. We propose and illustrate by drawing from previous and contemporary examples within brain and cognitive sciences, that this necessitates exploring the neural bases of bilingual phenotypes:the adaptive variety induced through the interplay of biology and culture. We identify the conceptual and methodological prerequisites for such exploration and briefly allude to the publication practices that afford it as a community practice and to the risk of allowing methodological prescriptions, rather than discovery, to dominate the research endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judith F Kroll
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - David W Green
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, United Kingdom
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34
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Anderson JAE, Grundy JG, Grady CL, Craik FIM, Bialystok E. Bilingualism contributes to reserve and working memory efficiency: Evidence from structural and functional neuroimaging. Neuropsychologia 2021; 163:108071. [PMID: 34715120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This study compared brain and behavioral outcomes for monolingual and bilingual older adults who reported no cognitive or memory problems on three types of memory that typically decline in older age, namely, working memory (measured by n-back), item, and associative recognition. The results showed that bilinguals were faster on the two-back working memory task than monolinguals but used a set of frontostriatal regions less than monolinguals. There was no group difference on an item/associative recognition task. In brain structure, gray matter volume and white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy) were generally lower in bilinguals than in monolinguals, but bilinguals had better white matter integrity than monolinguals in the bilateral superior corona radiata and better gray matter density in the left inferior temporal gyrus. These regions may help preserve bilinguals' executive functions despite generally more significant atrophy throughout the brain than monolinguals in that these structures contribute to efficient communication between executive frontal regions and subcortical motor regions, and perceptual pathways. Reliable negative correlations between brain structure and age were only observed in bilinguals, and to the extent that bilinguals (but not monolinguals) had better brain structure, their performance was enhanced. Collectively, the findings provide evidence for reserve in bilingual older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A E Anderson
- Carleton University, Departments of Cognitive Science and Psychology, Canada.
| | - John G Grundy
- Iowa State University, Department of Psychology, United States
| | - Cheryl L Grady
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, Canada; University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry, Canada; University of Toronto, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Fergus I M Craik
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, Canada; University of Toronto, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Ellen Bialystok
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, Canada; York University, Department of Psychology, Canada
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35
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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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36
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Bilingualism: Pathway to Cognitive Reserve. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:355-364. [PMID: 33771449 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive reserve is characterized by a dissociation between cognitive level and brain structure, thereby reducing the impact of deteriorating brain structure on cognitive function. Cognitive reserve is therefore a promising approach to maintaining cognitive function and protecting against symptoms of dementia. The present paper evaluates evidence supporting the claim that bilingualism contributes to cognitive reserve. Four types of evidence are presented: (i) brain and cognitive function in healthy aging, (ii) age of onset of symptoms of dementia, (iii) relation between clinical level and neuropathology for patients, and (iv) rate of cognitive decline in later stages of dementia. In all cases, bilinguals revealed patterns that were consistent with the interpretation of protection from cognitive reserve when compared with monolinguals.
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37
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Berkes M, Calvo N, Anderson JAE, Bialystok E. Poorer clinical outcomes for older adult monolinguals when matched to bilinguals on brain health. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:415-424. [PMID: 33432426 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported bilingualism to be a proxy of cognitive reserve (CR) based on evidence that bilinguals express dementia symptoms ~ 4 years later than monolinguals yet present with greater neuropathology at time of diagnosis when clinical levels are similar. The current study provides new evidence supporting bilingualism's contribution to CR using a novel brain health matching paradigm. Forty cognitively normal bilinguals with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images recruited from the community were matched with monolinguals drawn from a pool of 165 individuals in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. White matter integrity was determined for all participants using fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity scores. Propensity scores were obtained using white matter measures, sex, age, and education as predictive covariates, and then used in one-to-one matching between language groups, creating a matched sample of 32 participants per group. Matched monolinguals had poorer clinical diagnoses than that predicted by chance from a theoretical null distribution, and poorer cognitive performances than matched bilinguals as measured by scores on the MMSE. The findings provide support for the interpretation that bilingualism acts as a proxy of CR such that monolinguals have poorer clinical and cognitive outcomes than bilinguals for similar levels of white matter integrity even before clinical symptoms appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Berkes
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Noelia Calvo
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - Ellen Bialystok
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Backer KC, Bortfeld H. Characterizing Bilingual Effects on Cognition: The Search for Meaningful Individual Differences. Brain Sci 2021; 11:81. [PMID: 33435472 PMCID: PMC7827854 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A debate over the past decade has focused on the so-called bilingual advantage-the idea that bilingual and multilingual individuals have enhanced domain-general executive functions, relative to monolinguals, due to competition-induced monitoring of both processing and representation from the task-irrelevant language(s). In this commentary, we consider a recent study by Pot, Keijzer, and de Bot (2018), which focused on the relationship between individual differences in language usage and performance on an executive function task among multilingual older adults. We discuss their approach and findings in light of a more general movement towards embracing complexity in this domain of research, including individuals' sociocultural context and position in the lifespan. The field increasingly considers interactions between bilingualism/multilingualism and cognition, employing measures of language use well beyond the early dichotomous perspectives on language background. Moreover, new measures of bilingualism and analytical approaches are helping researchers interrogate the complexities of specific processing issues. Indeed, our review of the bilingualism/multilingualism literature confirms the increased appreciation researchers have for the range of factors-beyond whether someone speaks one, two, or more languages-that impact specific cognitive processes. Here, we highlight some of the most salient of these, and incorporate suggestions for a way forward that likewise encompasses neural perspectives on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina C. Backer
- Department of Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Heather Bortfeld
- Department of Cognitive and Information Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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Heredia RR, Blackburn AM, Vega LA. Moderation-Mediation Effects in Bilingualism and Cognitive Reserve. Front Psychol 2020; 11:572555. [PMID: 33101142 PMCID: PMC7554512 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.572555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We first provide a critical review of the existing findings on bilingualism as a contributor to cognitive reserve from moderator-mediator warranting cause-effect research conclusions. We next address the question of direct or indirect effects between bilingualism and neurocognitive protective factors influencing the associated age-related mental deficits. The existing findings support bilingualism as a predictor and as a moderator. Third, we propose cognitive reserve models of bilingualism describing analytical approaches that allow testing of these models and hypotheses related to path strength and causal relationships between predictors, moderators, and mediators. Lastly and most importantly, we suggest using large datasets available via open repositories. This can aid in the testing of theoretical models, clarifying the roles of moderators and mediators, and assessing the research viability of multi-causal paths that can influence cognitive reserve. Creating collaborative datasets to test these models would greatly advance our field and identify critical variables in the study of the bilingual aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto R Heredia
- Department of Psychology and Communication, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, United States
| | - Angélique M Blackburn
- Department of Psychology and Communication, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, United States
| | - Luis A Vega
- Department of Psychology, California State University-Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, United States
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Beyond Alzheimer's disease: Can bilingualism be a more generalized protective factor in neurodegeneration? Neuropsychologia 2020; 147:107593. [PMID: 32882240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bilingualism has been argued to have an impact on cognition and brain structure. Effects have been reported across the lifespan: from healthy children to ageing adults, including clinical (ageing) populations. It has been argued that active bilingualism may significantly contribute to the delaying of the expression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. If bilingualism plays an ameliorative role against the expression of neurodegeneration in dementia, it is possible that it could have similar effects for other neurodegenerative disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases. To date, however, direct relevant evidence remains limited, not least because the necessary scientific motivations for investigating this with greater depth have not yet been fully articulated. Herein, we provide a roadmap that reviews the relevant literatures, highlighting potential links across neurodegenerative disorders and bilingualism more generally.
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The effects of bilingualism on executive functions: an updated quantitative analysis. JOURNAL OF CULTURAL COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41809-020-00062-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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