Speaking a second language could delay dementia by five years

New study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) shows that speaking a second language can delay the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer's for up to five years. Both the Telegraph and the Daily Express carry the story with the former quoting Dr Ellen Bialystok from the AAAS: "Switching between languages is a stimulating activity — it is like carrying out brain exercises which builds up higher levels of what we call brain or cognitive reserve. It is rather like a reserve tank in a car. When you run out of fuel, you can keep going for longer because there is a bit more in the safety tank." It is great to hear that on top of all the other benefits that accrue from learning a second language, it is now an activity that is scientifically recognised as good for our cognitive health too!