On multilingualism and Alzheimer's
so in an NPR article about Jared diamond's new book, they happen to mention that most folk in Papua New Guinea speak at least five languages, and oh by the way, more than one language seems to delay Alzheimer's effects
A google gets me a bunch of stuff, including an article responding directly to the original and saying article saying that not it is not that simple- native multilingualism is helpful, but not always bilingualism. Hm.. (I would blockquote, but, well, Thinmint.)
blurb about the original study- looking like being natively multilingual is perhaps more protective because of having to not use the other languages when not appropriate? I wonder how fluent one woUkd need to be. Or would it be a matter of having more paths for recall? Article also stresses tht any sort of cognitive exercise is helpful.
(Interesting linkage to get back to. Perhaps to show Mom. I wish there were decent cel access there, as I think some manner of tablet woUkd really be a good idea.)
(found while looking for the jarred diamond interview I remembered from a few weeks ago, where he talked about the conflict resolution process in Papua new guinea. The reconciliation part is summarized early in the print article; it is somewhat more detailed in the interview. )
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