Tags: second language | bilingual | patients | recover | stroke

Speaking Second Language Helps Following Stroke

Speaking Second Language Helps Following Stroke
(Copyright AP)

Monday, 23 November 2015 07:01 AM EST


A study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke suggests that bilingual patients could be twice as likely as those that are monolingual to regain normal cognitive abilities following a stroke, a cause of dementia.

To look at the effect that bilingualism might have on cognitive function researchers based in India and the United Kingdom examined records of 608 Indian stroke patients from 2006-2013. Over half of the patients were considered bilingual, speaking two or more languages.

Accounting for other factors that may have affected patients' health before the stroke such as smoking, age, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the team concluded that post-stroke around 40 percent of the bilingual patients had normal cognitive functions, while the same could be said of just 20 percent of monolingual patients. In addition to this, bilingual patients showed better attention and were more capable in tests that involved retrieving and organizing information. However, researchers did not notice any difference between the groups of patients when it came to the likelihood of experiencing post-stroke aphasia, a disorder that affects communication functions including speech, reading and writing.

The team behind the study cautioned against applying the results to all bilingual people. Hyderabad is a multicultural city in which many languages (including Telugu, Urdu, Hindi and English) are regularly spoken. "Constantly switching languages is a daily reality for many residents of Hyderabad," said Suvarna Alladi, lead author of the study, "The cognitive benefit may not be seen in places where the need to function in two or more languages isn't as extensive."

The team also advised that many activities, not just language learning, can help to improve cognitive function. Subhash Kaul, who also worked on the research said, "Our study suggests that intellectually stimulating activities pursued over time, from a young age or even starting in mid-life, can protect you from the damage brought on by a stroke."

On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, according to the American Heart Association's 2015 Statistical Update. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the leading preventable cause of disability.

© AFP/Relaxnews 2025


Health-News
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke suggests that bilingual patients could be twice as likely as those that are monolingual to regain normal cognitive abilities following a stroke, a cause of dementia. To look at the effect that bilingualism...
second language, bilingual, patients, recover, stroke
353
2015-01-23
Monday, 23 November 2015 07:01 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
Find Your Condition
Newsmax2 Live
 
On Now:4:00p ET • Newswire
Coming Up:5:00p ET • The Todd Starnes Show
Get Newsmax Text Alerts

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved