How speaking two languages might protect thinking and the brain in aging and Alzheimer's
The Role of Bilingualism in Cognitive and Brain Resilience: Addressing the Complexity
This project looks at whether speaking two or more languages helps people keep thinking skills and brain health as they age, including those with Alzheimer's-related changes.
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 ID | NIH-11306017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join this work, researchers will compare older adults who speak one language and those who speak two or more using cognitive tests, brain imaging, and medical records. They will examine how bilingualism, social and cultural background, and different types of thinking skills relate to brain changes and dementia diagnoses. The team will use a long-running, well-characterized group of participants followed over time at UCSF to study both resistance (less disease biology) and resilience (keeping cognition despite disease). Results will look at different Alzheimer's variants and task types to clarify where bilingualism helps most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults, both monolingual and bilingual, including people with and without Alzheimer's-related cognitive changes.
Not a fit: People with very advanced Alzheimer's disease, non-Alzheimer neurological disorders, or those unable to complete language and cognitive testing may not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show whether bilingualism delays symptoms or helps preserve thinking in aging and Alzheimer's, informing advice and non-drug support strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have produced mixed findings—some suggest bilingualism helps cognition, but results have been inconsistent and need clarification.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- 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
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.