Impact of language skills on development of dementia
Published 9 July 2009
New research from an ongoing observational study suggests that more advanced language skills in your early twenties may predict a lower likelihood of dementia in older age.
The US researchers examined the brains of 38 Catholic nuns after death as part of 'The Nun Study'. The researchers looked at essays written by 14 of the nuns in their late teens / early twenties in order to score their language skills and see if they were related to the development of memory problems in later life.
Those with higher language scores were less likely to go on to develop memory problems in later life than those with lower scores, regardless of whether or not their brains showed signs of the plaques and tangles usually seen in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Society Comment:
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Those with higher language scores were less likely to go on to develop memory problems in later life than those with lower scores, regardless of whether or not their brains showed signs of the plaques and tangles usually seen in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Society Comment:
'Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and it affects people from all walks of life regardless of their skills.
It is interesting that the nuns in the study with better language skills in their youth avoided memory problems in later life. However, the research is in a very small, select group and it would be difficult to say at this stage if language skills could really predict dementia. Dementia research is desperately under-funded and greater investment urgently needed.'
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
