Slow down Alzheimer’s – learn languages

Why learn English? For your brain – and for yourself!

Slow down Alzheimer’s – learn languages: Many people start learning English for practical reasons — work, travel, or watching TV shows without subtitles. But did you know that English can also help keep your brain sharp for longer?

English for the Mind – Alzheimer's Prevention

Physical activity and a healthy diet are important elements in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. However, an increasing number of studies show that mental activity – such as learning a foreign language – can also support brain health. Therefore, since this site is dedicated to learning English, in today’s post we will focus on the benefits of studying the language.ż bA study conducted by Bialystok and colleagues (2007) found that bilingual individuals begin to experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease on average 4 to 5 years later than those who speak only one language. What’s more, this effect was observed even after taking into account levels of education and occupation.

Learning English is brain fitness

Learning a language works like a gym for your mind – it strengthens memory, concentration, and logical thinking. Regular intellectual activity, such as acquiring new vocabulary or understanding grammatical structures, engages different areas of the brain and creates new neural connections. The result? You can genuinely delay the onset of dementia symptoms, regardless of your age or level of education.

Isn't it too late to start learning English?

Are you wondering whether it’s still worth learning English at your age? The answer is: absolutely yes! It’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable forms of brain training, available to everyone – regardless of age. Regular language learning stimulates memory, improves concentration, and supports mental agility, helping to slow down the brain’s ageing processes. It’s never too late to start and experience real benefits for both your health and everyday life.

Summary

Learning a language is not just about gaining new skills – it’s also an investment in your mental health and future quality of life. Regularly studying English stimulates the brain, improves memory and concentration, and helps slow down the ageing of the mind. If you’re looking for motivation to return to learning English, remember: you’re doing it not only for yourself today, but also for yourself tomorrow.

Bialystok, Ellen & Craik, Fergus & Freedman, Morris. (2007). Bilingualism as protection against the onset of symptoms of dementia. Neuropsychologia. 45. 459-64. 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2006.10.009.