Does speaking multiple languages protect the brain from Alzheimer's in India?
Multilingualism as a factor of resilience to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in India
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11238006
This project compares older adults in India who speak one language versus multiple languages to see if speaking more than one language links to better memory and brain health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be part of research in India that looks at how language use across life relates to memory and signs of Alzheimer's. The team will collect detailed language histories (when languages were learned, how well they are spoken, how often they are used, and how many languages someone knows) and compare those with thinking tests and biological markers of dementia. They will control for other life and social factors that can affect brain health and include measures of neuropathology (like blood markers or brain imaging). The goal is to use the wide variety of language experiences in India to find patterns that might explain resilience to dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults living in India with a range of language backgrounds who can complete cognitive testing and provide language and health information (and possibly blood samples or imaging).
Not a fit: People who do not live near the Indian study sites, who cannot communicate in the local study languages, or who have advanced dementia and cannot complete testing may not directly benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to language-related lifestyle factors that help lower dementia risk and inform community prevention or education efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results about a bilingual advantage for dementia, so this project uses better controls and biological measures to try to clarify the answer.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, JINKOOK — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: LEE, JINKOOK
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.