As the human body gets older so does the brain. As the brain gets older, the memory also seems to fade and it is something that happens to everyone. Well, not quite everyone, for some, the memory deterioration or ability to remember, is far less. Who are these people, and what makes them special? The people who retain memory function better are not superheroes, they don’t take memory enhancing medication or herbs, they are simply people who do one thing. The one thing that people of all ages, with better memories, have in common is that they speak another language.
Over the last half a century, a number of subjects have been observed by universities and the studies have shown that speaking another language improves memory. Not only does the brain age slower and in better condition by speaking another language but also when the learning of a language is introduced, positive changes happen. Learning a language gives the brain the equivalent of a gym session. Language stimulates the brain, uses parts of the brain that often remain dormant and gives the brain the exercise it needs to remain healthy.
Just as gym helps an overweight person lose weight so, learning a language helps the brain get into shape. Once the brain is in better shape so memory improves and in some cases, this is remarkable. Memory loss is a key facet of Alzheimer’s disease and tests have shown that while speaking a second language is no cure it does nonetheless delay or slow the onset of the illness. In some cases, the onset is delayed by over 4 years.
However, it is the memory improvement that comes from language use that is so fascinating. How it works is really quite simple, when put in layman’s terms and there is a great deal of logic to the whole thing. When learning or speaking another language the brain has to multitask, few of us are good at this on the best of days, and this requires the brain to focus. The brain has to allow the person to often translate and think in one language and deliver in another. When speaking another language the brain in simple terms slows down, as it has to process more. When slowing down to process more, things move slower and the person becomes a great deal more conscious of their surroundings and seemingly intelligent, for want of a better word. Remembering facts, figures and more becomes easier and thus tests and exams become easier. Those who speak another language gain a deeper and greater perspective of their surroundings as in speaking another language the brain is conditioned to become so. The brain becomes focused and alive with a second language.
Memory is improved with a second language because the brain is getting the exercise is needs. This will be the outcome for anyone at any age.
Learning a language is like joining a gym for your brain, at first, it is daunting but as soon as you begin to learn the easier it gets and the fitter you or your brain becomes.
If you find yourself becoming forgetful, give your brain a workout and learn to speak another language with VLLC. It will make a difference.
Learning a language is like joining a gym for your brain, at first, it is daunting but as soon as you begin to learn the easier it gets and the fitter you or your brain becomes.
If you find yourself becoming forgetful, give your brain a workout and learn to speak another language with VLLC. It will make a difference.
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