Here is some really fascinating means to maintain mental health. A groundbreaking study suggests that people who speak more than two languages have reduced risk of developing memory problems. Speaking more than two languages probably has a protective effect on memory.
As a part of the study, 230 men and women with an average age of 73 years who had spoken or currently spoke two to seven languages were examined. A total of 44 apparently developed cognitive problems, while the remaining subjects had no memory problems. People who spoke four or more languages allegedly were five times less likely to develop cognitive problems than those who only spoke two languages. People speaking three languages reportedly were three times less likely to have cognitive problems as compared to bilinguals.
Those who currently spoke more than two languages seemingly were four times less likely to have cognitive impairment. Scientists mention that factors such as the age and education of the participants were taken into consideration throughout the study. Magali Perquin, PhD, with the Center for Health Studies from the Public Research Center for Health in Luxembourg who is also the study author and colleagues will be conducting further investigations to affirm the study findings and determine whether the protection is limited to thinking skills that are linked with language alone.
The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 63rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu April 9 to April 16, 2011.