Effects of Second Language Learning on the Plastic Aging Brain: Functional Connectivity, Cognitive Decline, and Reorganization

Learning a new language requires the use of extensive neural networks and can represent a powerful tool to reorganize brain neuroplasticity. In this study, we analyze how a 4 months long second language learning program (16, 2 h sessions) can lead to functional changes in the brain of healthy elderl...

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Published in:Frontiers in neuroscience Vol. 13; p. 423
Main Authors: Bubbico, Giovanna, Chiacchiaretta, Piero, Parenti, Matteo, di Marco, Marcin, Panara, Valentina, Sepede, Gianna, Ferretti, Antonio, Perrucci, Mauro Gianni
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 15.05.2019
Frontiers Media S.A
Subjects:
Adults
Aging
Bilingualism
Brain
Brain architecture
brain plasticity
Caregivers
Cognition
Cognitive ability
cognitive decline
Cognitive impairment
Dementia
Disease
Executive function
Exercise
Feasibility studies
Foreign language learning
Foreign languages
Frontal gyrus
Functional connectivity
Functional morphology
Functional plasticity
Geriatrics
Intervention
Language
Language acquisition
Language shift
Language usage
Learning
Long term memory
Neural networks
Neuroplasticity
Neuropsychological assessment
Neuroscience
Neurosciences
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
Older people
Physical fitness
Plasticity
Reorganization
resting state
Second language learning
Skills
Superior parietal lobule
Italy
resting state
functional connectivity
aging
cognitive decline
second language learning
brain plasticity
ISSN:1662-453X, 1662-4548, 1662-453X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Learning a new language requires the use of extensive neural networks and can represent a powerful tool to reorganize brain neuroplasticity. In this study, we analyze how a 4 months long second language learning program (16, 2 h sessions) can lead to functional changes in the brain of healthy elderly individuals. A large number of studies point out a decline of brain-skills with age; here it is analyzed how cognition together with functional brain organization can be improved later in life. Twenty-six older adults (59-79 years old) were enrolled in the present study. A complete neuropsychological examination was administered before and after the intervention to measure global cognition levels, short- and long-term memory, attention, language access and executive functions. At the end of the program, in the intervention group, the results showed a significant improvement in global cognition together with an increased functional connectivity in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), right superior frontal gyrus (rSFG) and left superior parietal lobule (lSPL). These findings can be added to the current neurobiological breakthroughs of reshaping brain networks with a short language learning practice in healthy elderly subjects. Therefore, learning a foreign-language may represent a potentially helpful cognitive intervention for promoting healthy aging.
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This article was submitted to Brain Imaging Methods, a section of the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience
Edited by: Alessandra Griffa, VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands
Reviewed by: John George Grundy, Iowa State University, United States; Jiu Chen, Nanjing Medical University, China
ISSN:1662-453X
1662-4548
1662-453X
DOI:10.3389/fnins.2019.00423