Being bilingual can help beat a STROKE says study

Researchers have found multilingual stroke patients have more chance of full cognitive recovery

RESEARCHERS have found people who speak multiple languages are more likely to regain full cognitive function.

 

Stroke patients have more chance at regaining full mental functions if they are multilingual, according to a new study. 

The research found that up to 40.5 per cent of patients who speak more than one language regained full cognitive function.

 

Comparitively, less than half (19.6 per cent) of patients who spoke a single language saw the same result. 

The study was conducted by the University of Edinburgh and the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad.

 



Researchers believe the mental challenge of learning another language improves brain ability



Researchers took into account factors such as age, diabetes, smoking and high blood pressure.

They were careful to ensure results could not be skewed by patients who had a healthier lifestyle. 

Published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, the study states ‘results support the notion of a protective role of bilingualism in the development of post-stoke cognitive impairment.’ 

 



Less than half (19.6 per cent) of patients who spoke a single language saw the same result



It is the first time a study has been conducted to examine the link between a number of languages spoken and a stroke patient’s cognitive recovery.

The paper said: “The percentage of patients with intact cognitive functions post-stroke was more than twice as high in bilinguals than in monolinguals.

“In contrast, patients with cognitive impairment were more common in monolinguals.”  

 

Researchers took into account factors such as age, diabetes, smoking and high blood pressure

Researchers believe the results suggest the mental challenge of learning and speaking multiple languages can increase cognitive reserve.

Thus, improving the ability of a brain to cope with damage incurred from dementia or stroke. 

Thomas Bak, who co-authored the study, said: “Bilingualism makes people switch from one language to another, so while they inhibit one language, they have to activate another to communicate. 

“This switching offers practically constant brain training which may be a factor in helping stroke patients recover.”