According to an article in the Huffington Post, “Bilinguals can more easily focus on two tasks at once. They think analytically. Parts of their brain devoted to memory, reasoning, and planning are larger than those of monolinguals” (Roitman).
It can be difficult for one to find reasons not to learn a second language, especially one takes into consideration the cognitive benefits associated. Now consider the long-term cognitive effects. More specifically in relation to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There have been various studies conducted that have shown that being bilingual helps delay Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “most individuals with the disease are age 65 or older. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age 65” (Alzheimer's Association).…show more content… The study suggested that people who are bilingual and use their second language constantly are able to push pack the onset of Alzheimer’s for and extra four years on average when compared to a monolingual person (Alok). Ellen Bialystok, a psychologist, published an article in the journal of Neurology, she said that being bilingual provides for certain cognitive benefits, more specifically the area known as the executive control system. She states this, “ We know this system deteriorates with age but we have found that at every age of life it functions better in bilinguals. They preform at a higher level, It wont stop them getting Alzheimer’s disease, but they can cope with the disease for longer”
