How being bilingual affects brain health and resilience against Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The impact of bilingualism on cognitive reserve/resilience using socio-demographically and linguistically diverse populations
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11079493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how speaking more than one language might help protect the brain in people who are at risk for Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it's for anyone interested in how bilingualism could support brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $998,496 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080469-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are bilingual individuals from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are monolingual or do not have a family history of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between bilingualism and cognitive resilience in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By examining a diverse group of 2,200 participants who speak various languages, the study aims to understand how bilingual experiences influence cognitive function and brain health. Researchers will collect data on cognition, brain imaging, and social determinants of health to explore these connections. The study involves collaboration between institutions in the United States and India, highlighting the global relevance of bilingualism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cognitive health and resilience against Alzheimer's disease through bilingualism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested that bilingualism may positively impact cognitive function, indicating potential for success in this research approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tee, Boon Lead — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Tee, Boon Lead
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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.