Learning a second language should be recommended to students in order to prevent dementia. Some studies have revealed that certain types of dementia appear five years later in bilinguals than in monolinguals. That is, “bilingual people have a cognitive reserve that delays the onset”. Professor Sorace recommends children to learn languages from age five until they finish university:“Languages should be a requirement for any kind of degree”.
Professor Sorace compared retired people who were doing an intensive course in Gaelic with other active retired people. They found that in those who were doing a language course, the brain responded better than in monolinguals. That is, bilingual people had an improvement in cognitive functions. Therefore, they believe that education can protect people against developing dementia and highlight the importance of learning languages from childhood.
To read the original article visit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/12156709/Students-should-learn-second-language-to-prevent-dementia-in-later-life.html
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