Increased Stroke Recovery For Bilinguals?

A new research has found that bilingual skills enhance stroke recovery.

16:50 23 November 2015

A study conducted by researchers from Edinburgh University found that people who speak multiple languages are more likely to regain normal mental functions following a stroke when compared to those who speak only one language.

 

The study assessed 600 stroke victims and took into consideration smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and age. 40.5per cent of the victims were multilingual and 19.6per cent spoke only one language.

 

The researchers collaborated with the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences in India and conducted their study in Hyderabad where many languages are spoken due to its multi-cultural nature.

 

The paper said: "The percentage of patients with intact cognitive functions post-stroke was more than twice as high in bilinguals than in monolinguals.

 

"In contrast, patients with cognitive impairment were more common in monolinguals."

 

Co-author Thomas Bak, of the University of Edinburgh's school of philosophy, psychology and language sciences, said: "Bilingualism makes people switch from one language to another, so while they inhibit one language, they have to activate another to communicate.

"This switching offers practically constant brain training which may be a factor in helping stroke patients recover."