Bilingualism is suggested to boost cognitive flexibility, an effect that may extend to foreign language learning. In this paper we present the method and preliminary results of our study aimed to evaluate the unique effect of foreign language learning in elderly at risk for old-age disorders.
Bilingualism is a life experience that has been suggested to boost cognitive flexibility (Kroll & Bialystok, 2013), a skill needed to separate numerous languages (Bice & Kroll, 2015) and to adaptively respond to environmental demands. It has been claimed that this effect of life-long bilingualism could also be induced with foreign language learning, which is hypothesized to benefit all, especially elderly (Antoniou, Gunasekera, & Wong, 2013).
The present study aims to 1) examine the effects of a foreign language training on cognitive flexibility and mental health, and 2) assess the unique role of foreign language training versus other cognitive or social programs in seniors at risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). We assess the unique role of foreign language training (n=46) compared to music training (n=42) and a social intervention (n=20) to control for non-specific cognitive training and social activation effects. At baseline, at a three-month follow-up, and at six months after termination of the training program, clinical, cognitive and brain activity measurements (combined EEG and fNIRS methods) are taken to assess cognitive flexibility and mental health.
In this paper, we firstly present the method that underlies this study. For three to six months, participants practise language or musical skills at home five days a week for 45 minutes, and attend classes every fortnight. Participants in the social intervention group meet every fortnight to attend creative workshops. Cognitive flexibility is assessed using, among others, a colour-shape switching task and mWCST while measuring brain activity using combined fNIRS/EEG methods.
We also present the preliminary results. Multilevel analyses showed a significant effect of time on the color-shape switching task as a measure of cognitive flexibility. Significant effects over time were also found for measures of mental health such as loneliness and feelings of apathy.
The results of this study can shed light on the ultimate question whether foreign language training in seniors can improve cognitive flexibility and mental health and thereby slow down cognitive aging and reduce vulnerability for old age depression and cognitive decline and what its role is vis-à-vis other cognitive intervention program, such as musical training.
