Higher language proficiency and earlier acquisition of a second language were also associated with more delayed brain ageing," she said.
The research team adjusted for age, biological sex, and education levels. However, other environmental influences like lifestyle and social interaction could also impact brain health.
Prof. Christina Dalla from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens agreed that acquiring additional languages helps maintain a youthful brain over time.
"This study suggests that learning a second, third or fourth language could help our brains to stay younger for longer, and the earlier we start, the better," she said.
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Eef Hogervorst, a professor at Loughborough University, advised caution regarding direct causation, noting that multilingual individuals may also engage in healthier lifestyles and have better access to protective activities like reading and playing musical instruments.
