Bilingualism and Dementia 雙語能力能對抗失智症

Bilingualism and Dementia 雙語能力能對抗失智症

A whole new reason to speak more than one language

說一種以上語言的全新理由

Skill in a second language opens doors for education and employment. And now studies show that a second language may help in other ways as well. It may increase the longevity of normal brain function.

Training your brain

Rigorous exercise and a healthy diet can potentially extend your life. But could speaking more than one language have healthy benefits for your brain? A team at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute sought the answer to that question. What they found was a clear link between bilingualism and a delayed onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The link shows that speaking two languages over one’s lifetime staves off the onset of symptoms of dementia for up to five years. Those who regularly communicate in two languages have stronger control of language in their brains. People with dementia often lose control of their speech, so the enhanced language control helps them keep their speech ability longer. This study follows earlier work at the institute that showed that being bilingual improves attention and cognitive control in both children and adults. According to Dr. Freedman, Director of the Memory Clinic at Baycrest, no drug treatments currently exist that have any effect on delaying the progress of Alzheimer’s. However, at his team discovered, when it comes to resisting dementia, bilingualism is more than just talk.

dementia

longevity

symptomàthe sign of illness or disease、the sign that something happening usually

Alzheimer’s

stave something off àkeep something away

stave the symptoms away

enhance àmake something better or strong

【Chat room】

onset / outset 皆可指「開始、開頭」，但用法不同

onset當片語

onset of 形容某件事的開始

the onset of spring 春天的開始

the onset of soccer season 足球季的開始

the onset of a cold 感冒的開始

the delayed onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s

延緩阿茲海默症的發生

outset 亦指開始，但著眼在開始的這個觀念

at the outset

from the outset

The boy loved the girl from the outset.

男孩從一開始就愛上了女孩

【grammar on the go】

….when it comes to resisting dementia, bilingualism is more than just talk.

when it comes to

when we’re dealing with a certain subject

….when we’re dealing with resisting dementia, bilingualism is more than just talk.

例：

When it comes to shopping for computers, Irene is the person you should talk to .

When it comes to learning English, there is no other way but practice, practice, practice.

【key word】

longevity 長壽

The longevity of the people in this village is caused by their healthy diet and their positive attitudes. 這個村莊的居民長壽的原因是他們健康的飲食和態度。

Proper use of house appliances can extend their longevity.

正確的使用電器可延長電器的壽命

stave something off 延緩、避免

The company is trying to get a loan to stave off their bankruptcy.

這家公司正在貸款以避免破產的命運

Cathy decided to keep silent to stave off a quarrel with her sister.

Cathy決定保持沉默以免跟妹妹吵起來

The cease-fire agreement staved off the war.

停火的協議止住了戰爭

enhance 提高、增強

The seasonings enhanced the flavor of the dish.

調味料使這道菜更加的美味

The award enhanced the position of the actress in show business.

這個獎項使得這女演員在演藝界的地位更加提升。