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Part of
Understanding Language and Cognition through Bilingualism: In honor of Ellen Bialystok
Edited by Gigi Luk, John A.E. Anderson and John G. Grundy
[Studies in Bilingualism 64] 2023
► pp. 343–356

Chapter 16
Role of bilingualism
in neurodegenerative disease I

Alzheimer’s

| American University of Antigua
| Duke NUS Graduate Medical School
| St. Michael’s Hospital
| St. Michael’s Hospital

Recent research shows bilingualism to be a reserve factor, delaying the onset of symptoms of dementia and slowing the rate at which cognitive decline progresses. This chapter explores how bilingualism may affect the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and why bilingual individuals are more resilient to the effects of Alzheimer’s pathology. The chapter starts with an overview of bilingualism, then leads into how bilingualism acts as a possible mechanism of cognitive reserve. We consider bilingual experience to be a factor of cognitive reserve from three perspectives: pathological symptoms, neuroimaging, and biomarkers. Collectively, bilingualism appears to be beneficial for delaying symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining cognitive functioning in the face of Alzheimer’s disease. The chapter ends with conclusions based on the research to-date and outlines possible implications for future research.

Article outline
  • Preamble
  • Introduction
  • Definition of bilingualism
  • Mechanisms of cognitive reserve
  • Effects of bilingualism on delaying onset of AD
  • Imaging studies of bilingualism in AD
  • Biomarker studies of bilingualism in AD
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Appendix
Published online: 6 June 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.64.16sha
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