Effects of Second Language Learning on the Plastic Aging Brain: Functional Connectivity, Cognitive Decline, and Reorganization

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Marcin di Marco²  Matteo Parenti²  Piero Chiacchiaretta⁴  Giovanna Bubbico⁴  Antonio Ferretti⁴  Mauro Gianni Perrucci⁴  Gianna Sepede⁵  Valentina Panara⁶ 

[1] Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University “A. Moro” Bari, Chieti, Italy;Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy;Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy;Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy;National Health Trust, Department of Mental Health, Chieti, Italy;Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy, Radiology Division, Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, “SS Annunziata” Hospital, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy;

关键词: aging;    brain plasticity;    second language learning;    cognitive decline;    resting state;    functional connectivity;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnins.2019.00423

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Learning a new language requires the use of extensive neural networks and can represent a powerful tool to reorganize brain neuroplasticity. In this study, we analyze how a 4 months long second language learning program (16, 2 h sessions) can lead to functional changes in the brain of healthy elderly individuals. A large number of studies point out a decline of brain-skills with age; here it is analyzed how cognition together with functional brain organization can be improved later in life. Twenty-six older adults (59–79 years old) were enrolled in the present study. A complete neuropsychological examination was administered before and after the intervention to measure global cognition levels, short- and long-term memory, attention, language access and executive functions. At the end of the program, in the intervention group, the results showed a significant improvement in global cognition together with an increased functional connectivity in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), right superior frontal gyrus (rSFG) and left superior parietal lobule (lSPL). These findings can be added to the current neurobiological breakthroughs of reshaping brain networks with a short language learning practice in healthy elderly subjects. Therefore, learning a foreign-language may represent a potentially helpful cognitive intervention for promoting healthy aging.

【 授权许可】

Unknown