Speaking Two Languages May Affect Dementia Risk in an Unexpected Way

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. While bilingualism may be one piece of the puzzle, other cognitive or biological factors also influence brain health. Verbal memory – the ability to remember words – has been linked to cognitive resilience.