top of page
Search

Neural Correlates of Bilingualism-Induced Structural Brain Changes

By Alissa Sofia Maria Bocance


Abstract

Significant alterations in the structure and function of the brain have been linked to bilingualism. This study examines the effects of managing two languages on brain architecture, with particular attention to cortical reorganization, white matter integrity, and gray matter density. According to neuroimaging research, multilingual individuals   have increased gray matter volume in areas including the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and inferior parietal lobule. Improvements in white matter integrity have also been observed, especially in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum. The article discusses the cognitive and neural benefits of bilingualism, along with its potential role in delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. 


Introduction

The cognitively taxing skill of bilingualism activates several brain areas related to memory, executive control, and language processing. Technological developments in neuroimaging have shed light on how bilingual experiences alter the brain's anatomy. This essay examines the anatomical alterations linked to bilingualism and how they affect cognitive performance. 


Structural Brain Changes in Bilingualism

Gray Matter Density

Several studies have found that bilinguals have larger gray matter volumes, especially in the left inferior parietal lobule, which is linked to language switching and control. Long-term bilingual experience may improve brain plasticity and result in more efficient cognitive control systems, according to structural MRI research. 

White Matter Integrity

Studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) show that bilinguals have higher fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum, indicating improved connectivity between the parts of the brain involved in executive function and language processing. 

Cortical Reorganization

Greater cortical thickness in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices—regions involved in cognitive regulation and attentional processes—has been associated with bilingualism. These modifications suggest that multilingual people might develop brain networks  that are more efficient at managing multiple linguistic systems.  


Functional Implications of Bilingual Structural Changes

Cognitive Advantages

Improved executive function, such as better working memory, task switching, and inhibitory control, has been linked to bilingualism. These cognitive advantages are attributed to the continuous need to manage two languages, which fortifies attentional and control-related brain networks. 

Neuroprotective Effects

Bilingualism may delay the onset of  neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, according to recent studies. Age-related cognitive decline is mitigated by structural enhancements in key brain regions, which contribute to increased cognitive reserve. 


Conclusion

The brain's structure is significantly altered by bilingualism, enhancing cortical organization, white matter integrity, and gray matter density. Two benefits of these brain changes are improved cognitive control and potential protection against aging and neurodegeneration. The long-term impacts of bilingualism and its connection to cognitive resilience should be investigated in future studies. 

"Neural correlates of cognitive processing in monolinguals and bilinguals," published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, is a noteworthy study examining the neural correlates of structural brain alterations associated with bilingualism. This study demonstrates how lifelong bilingualism leads to  widespread alterations in the structure and function of the brain.



References

  1. Ansaldo, A. I., Ghazi-Saidi, L., & Adrover-Roig, D. (2015). Interference control in elderly bilinguals: Appearances can be misleading. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 37(5), 498–516. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2014.990359

  2. Barac, R., & Bialystok, E. (2012). Bilingualism and cognitive control: A state of the art review. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, Article 163. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00163

  3. Bialystok, E. (2009). Bilingualism: Consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(6), 240–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2009.01.001

  4. Blumenfeld, H. K., & Marian, V. (2011). Cognitive control in bilinguals: Advantages in stimulus–stimulus inhibition. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 14(4), 395–409. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728910000023

  5. Gollan, T. H., & Ferreira, V. S. (2009). Bilingualism and cognitive aging: Implications for memory and executive functions in older bilinguals. Neuropsychology Review, 19(4), 523–539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-009-9088-9

  6. Hayakawa, S., & Marian, V. (2019). Consequences of multilingualism for neural architecture. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 15(1), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12993-019-0157-z

  7. Li, L., Abutalebi, J., Emmorey, K., Gong, G., Yan, X., Feng, X., Zou, L., & Ding, G. (2017). How bilingualism protects the brain from aging: Insights from bimodal bilinguals. Human Brain Mapping, 38(7), 3402–3410. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.23652

  8. Li, P., Legault, J., & Litcofsky, K. A. (2014). Structural plasticity in the bilingual brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(5), 324–332. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3709

  9. Luk, G., & Pliatsikas, C. (2016). Bilingualism and the brain: A meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies. Cortex, 76, 101–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2016.04.002

  10. Neural correlates of cognitive processing in monolinguals and bilinguals. (2017). Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1396(1), 183–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13333

  11. Olsen, R. K., Pangelinan, M. M., Bogulski, C., Chakravarty, M. M., Luk, G., Grady, C. L., & Bialystok, E. (2015). The effect of lifelong bilingualism on regional grey and white matter volume. Brain Research, 1612, 128–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2015.02.034

  12. Takeuchi, H., & Kawashima, R. (2017). Voxel-based morphometry and cognitive function. Brain and Nerve, 69(7), 725–732. https://doi.org/10.11477/mf.1416200781

  13. Abutalebi, J., & Green, D. W. (2016). The bilingual brain: Flexibility and control in the human cortex. Physics of Life Reviews, 16, 190–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2016.04.003

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page