Understanding how bilingualism affects resilience to Alzheimer's in Latinx communities
Factors of Resilience to Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias among Latinx: The Role of Bilingualism
This study is looking at how speaking two languages might help Latinx individuals stay mentally sharp as they age, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and similar conditions, by exploring things like when they learned their second language and how often they use it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017709 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between bilingualism and resilience to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among Latinx individuals. It aims to identify specific factors of bilingualism, such as age of second language acquisition and frequency of language use, that may protect against cognitive decline. By examining how these factors relate to cognitive function and neuroimaging markers of pathology, the study seeks to uncover potential interventions that could help mitigate cognitive aging disparities in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are bilingual Latinx adults aged 65 and older.
Not a fit: Patients who are monolingual or younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in bilingual Latinx individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, indicating that this area is still being explored and could yield novel insights.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arce, Miguel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Arce, Miguel
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.