Why do some people maintain good memories and have healthy brains even as they age?
Research that my colleagues and I recently published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, explored the effects and interactions of social, linguistic, and endocrinological factors on cognitive health.
With Canada's aging population, the question of brain health is a relevant one. The most recent census in 2021 indicated that one in eight Canadians is aged 70 or over, and there are 1.7 million who are aged 80 or older.
These numbers show a growing population of older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline, highlighting the need to examine protective factors.
Previous research indicates that bilingualism may be a possible protective factor. Notably, the 2021 census indicated that bilingualism is also increasing among Canadians, with four in 10 (41 percent) speaking more than one language.
