Bilingualism and Aging

Abstract

Language mediates not only the social relationship systems, but also the control of cognitive processes. Potential differences between bilinguals and monolinguals in age-associated cognitive decline during normal and abnormal aging have been suggested. A research review of the area suggests that normal aging is associated with increased interference between the two languages. Regression to the primary language can be considered as a predictor of dementia. Recent research has reported that bilingualism can have a protective effect during aging. Bilinguals are usually faster in performing different attention tasks, and more efficient in tests of executive control. Research has supported the assumption that using two or more different languages frequently can provide not only some social, but also cognitive, advantages during normal and abnormal aging.