APOLLO DOCTOR APPROVES: ONE VALUABLE LIFE SKILL TO DELAY COMMON BRAIN-DAMAGING DISEASE BY YEARS

Memory loss and cognitive decline are growing health challenges across the world, but a simple life skill may help the brain stay healthier for longer. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, MD, senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared an important insight that bilingualism — the ability to speak and use two or more languages — could delay the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by several years.

In a video shared on X, Dr. Kumar explained that dementia, often caused by Alzheimer’s disease, is becoming increasingly common. However, those who speak multiple languages throughout their lives may have a stronger defense against early cognitive decline.

Bilingualism Builds Brain Resilience

According to Dr. Kumar, “If you are able to speak two languages and if you use them in your daily life from childhood and throughout your life, studies have found that it can delay the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, by as much as four years.” He added that this benefit arises from the brain’s constant need to manage attention, focus, and concentration when switching between languages.

This regular mental exercise enhances what experts call “cognitive reserve” — the brain’s capacity to adapt and function despite aging or damage. Individuals who frequently use more than one language are, therefore, likely to experience a delay in dementia symptoms compared to those who speak only one language.

Dr. Kumar highlighted that this does not prevent dementia completely but helps postpone its onset. “It can only delay the onset of dementia and also it does not guarantee that one will not get dementia,” he noted, emphasizing that bilingualism should be part of a broader approach to maintaining brain health.

Supporting Evidence and Broader Benefits

Research across multiple studies supports what Dr. Kumar describes as the “bilingual brain advantage.” Speaking two languages daily has been shown to delay dementia onset by up to four to five years. This happens because language switching strengthens attention, memory, and executive control networks in the brain, acting like a form of mental workout.

The neurologist stressed that the greatest benefits appear in people who have used multiple languages actively since early life. However, it’s never too late to start — reading, speaking, or learning in another language can still serve as “mental exercise for your neurons,” he said.

Comprehensive Brain Health Approach

While bilingualism plays a significant role, Dr. Kumar advised that it should be combined with other healthy habits to support long-term brain function. He recommended maintaining adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, staying physically active, managing stress, and engaging in social interactions.

Controlling medical risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity is equally vital since these contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.