How speaking multiple languages affects brain health in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Effects of bilingualism in the presence of ADRD risk factors
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11223966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how speaking more than one language might help older adults, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's and similar conditions, keep their brains healthy and strong as they age.
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 | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $25,667 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG080396-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11223966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are bilingual or monolingual and may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cognitive decline or who do not speak more than one language may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential protective effects of bilingualism on cognitive health in older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). It aims to understand how managing multiple languages may enhance brain function and resilience against cognitive decline. The study will analyze a cohort of both monolingual and bilingual individuals to explore the relationship between language use, executive functioning, and brain health. By examining various sociocultural factors and types of executive functioning tasks, the research seeks to clarify the nuances of bilingualism's impact on aging and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how bilingualism may help protect against cognitive decline and improve brain health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, indicating that this area is still being explored and holds potential for new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deleon, Jessica Anne — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Deleon, Jessica Anne
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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.