New research suggests that speaking several languages may help keep the brain younger as people age. The study, presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2026, found that people who spoke more languages tended to have brains that appeared younger than their actual age.

Researchers from several universities studied people from the Basque region of Spain who spoke between one and four languages, including Spanish, Basque, French and English. They first studied 728 people and used brain activity measurements and artificial intelligence to create a “brain ageing clock”. This was then used to estimate the brain ages of another 144 participants.

The results showed a relationship between the number of languages spoken and estimated brain age. People who spoke two languages had brains that appeared around six years younger than those of people who spoke only one language. Those who spoke three languages had brains that appeared about seven years younger, while people who spoke four languages showed the largest difference, with brains appearing roughly 13 years younger.

The researchers also found that the age at which someone learned another language and their level of fluency were important. People who started learning languages earlier and became more proficient tended to show stronger signs of delayed brain ageing.

However, the researchers warn that the study does not prove that speaking several languages directly causes slower brain ageing. Other factors, such as lifestyle, education and social activity, could also influence brain health.

1. What did the researchers discover about multilingual people?

2. What factors were linked to a stronger effect on brain ageing?

3. Does the study prove that speaking multiple languages prevents brain ageing?

4. Discuss the implications of this research for early years education