Learning a second language can delay dementia by five years.

Researchers believe that speaking a second language increases "brain power" and can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists in Canada have discovered that learning a second language excercises the mind and builds up brain power. Sufferers of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's who are bilingual cope better with their illnesses.

Speaking a second language improves the area of the brain that is in charge of memory, learning, language and reasoning. Learning another language makes this part of the brain more powerful and resistant to damage. This means people who start a new language, even in middle age, can delay the onset of illnesses like dementia by an extra five years compared to those who are monolingual.

There are many benefits to starting language study: it develops your learning skills, it challenges you, it is useful for travel, it improves global communication, it helps you understand new cultures, it builds confidence, it is useful for business or work, it increases creativity and literacy and of course ...... it is fun!!

It is never too early or too late to learn another language.  

For more information about how learning another language can delay dementia please follow the link below:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8334819/Speaking-a-second-language-could-delay-dementia-by-five-years.html