Bilingual Switching to Prevent Dementia: The Power of Mixing Languages
As we age, the higher cognitive functions controlled by the brain's frontal lobe, including working memory and cognitive flexibility, gradually decline. Therefore, it is essential to engage in activities that train these functions. Alternating between different languages is an excellent method for this purpose. The Cognitive Benefits of Bilingual Switching Research on the activity of narrating experiences using two languages alternately is based on multiple cognitive theories, particularly working memory theory and language learning theory. Working memory theory emphasizes that our brains can only process and manipulate a limited amount of information at a time. By alternating between two languages, we can effectively train our working memory, enhance sustained attention, long-term memory, and the integrity of white matter in the brain. Enhancing Multitasking Abilities : Alternating languages strengthens the brain's flexibility in multitasking, cultivating the ability to switch...