Cognitive Advantages Research Articles

Exploring Bilingualism: Cognitive Benefits and Cultural Challenges

Bilingualism is a multifaceted phenomenon with profound implications for cognitive functioning and cultural identity. Research has consistently shown that being bilingual enhances cognitive abilities, such as improved executive function, greater cognitive flexibility, and superior problem-solving skills. These cognitive advantages stem from the constant mental exercise of managing two linguistic systems, which enhances brain plasticity and can even provide protective effects against cognitive decline in aging. However, the benefits of bilingualism are accompanied by cultural and identity challenges. Bilingual individuals often navigate complex social dynamics, including cultural duality, identity conflicts, and experiences of language stigmatization or marginalization. This article explores these cognitive benefits and cultural challenges, analyzing how bilingualism influences an individual's worldview and opens up diverse career opportunities. It also discusses the broader societal implications, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments for bilingual and multilingual communities.

Metalinguistic awareness in L2 Italian children with a migrant background: a trade-off between cognitive advantages and syntactic vulnerabilities

Metalinguistic awareness is a domain where bilingual advantages have been reported, with bilinguals outperforming monolinguals in tasks that require separating syntactic form from semantic content, demonstrating higher selective attention, interference suppression, and inhibition skills (Adesope et al., 2010). However, these cognitive advantages may be counterbalanced by weaknesses in specific linguistic domains, such as morphosyntactic processing. This study investigates the presence of such trade-offs in a Sentence-Judgment Task adapted fromBialystok (1986)in which monolinguals and bilinguals are compared in their ability to judge syntactically well-formed and ungrammatical utterances, regardless of their meaning.We assessed 80 school-aged children, including 36 Italian monolinguals and 44 bilinguals with Italian as a second language, using a task that involved 48 sentences varying in syntactic accuracy and semantic congruency across four conditions. Results from mixed-effects logistic regressions indicated that while both groups performed similarly when judging grammatical and semantically plausible sentences, bilinguals showed superior skills in evaluating syntactically correct but semantically anomalous sentences. Conversely, they underperformed in detecting grammatically incorrect but semantically plausible sentences, highlighting weaker morphosyntactic processing. These findings thussupportthe trade-off hypothesis (Leivada et al., 2023), revealing that while bilinguals display cognitive advantages in metalinguistic awareness, they also may face challenges in linguistic domains. Importantly, this study addressed bilingual children with a migrant backgrounds, a population less studied and potentially more vulnerable, ultimately underscoring the importance of maintaining the home language and providing rich, high-quality input to enhance both their cognitive and linguistic development.

Historical, Philosophical And Psychological Dimensions Of Bilingualism: Cognitive And Neurological Perspectives

Research on bilingualism has traditionally focused on its effects on language proficiency, yet a significant gap exists in understanding its broader cognitive impacts, particularly regarding executive functions and brain structure. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the multifaceted influences of bilingualism on cognitive function, incorporating historical and philosophical perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis. Using a systematic literature review approach, supported by neuroimaging studies, this research explores how bilingualism enhances brain plasticity and executive functions, such as attentional control and task-switching. Historical analysis reveals the shift from early 20th-century deficit views of bilingualism to the recognition of its cognitive advantages. Philosophical discussions further contextualize these findings, addressing the ethical considerations of cognitive enhancement and the mind-brain relationship in bilingual contexts. The results suggest that bilingualism confers distinct cognitive benefits, reshaping both brain structure and function. Based on these findings, this study offers key recommendations for improving future research methodologies, emphasizing the need for more diverse and standardized studies, and suggests practical counseling approaches that account for the psychological and philosophical complexities of bilingual identity. These insights challenge traditional views on cognitive development and have significant implications for educational policies, counseling strategies, and future neuroscience research.

Analysis of Gender and Mental Health Differences

With the rapid development of modern civilization, the increasing pressures of contemporary life, the fast pace of living, and the influence of social media, an increasing number of people are suffering from mental health issues. Mental health is an important aspect that everyone should be concerned about. Research has revealed that depression can significantly impact a person's professional and interpersonal skills, potentially affecting ones career trajectory. However, while both men and women face mental health issues, gender differences persist. Numerous studies have indicated that disparities exist in both brain structure and function between males and females. For instance, females may exhibit a greater advantage in emotional processing and social cognition, whereas males may demonstrate enhanced spatial cognition abilities. This study aims to explore gender differences in mental health across four factors. The result shows that, family intergenerational relationships have a greater impact on girls than boys. During their student years, interpersonal relationships within dormitories have a greater influence on boys. In the social sphere, women are more prone to depression than men. From a personal perspective, females are also more likely to experience negative emotions compared to males.

The Impact of Multilingualism on Second Language Acquisition: A Study of Cognitive and Linguistic Proficiency Among Ethnic Minority Groups

This study investigates the cognitive and linguistic differences in second language acquisition (SLA) among multilingual H'mong and Tay students compared to monolingual Kinh students in Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examined cognitive proficiency, including working memory and cognitive flexibility, as well as linguistic proficiency in English, focusing on vocabulary size, syntactic knowledge, and phonological accuracy. Quantitative data from cognitive and linguistic tests were analyzed using MANOVA, while qualitative data from focus group discussions provided insights into the sociocultural influences on language learning. The findings reveal that H'mong and Tay students exhibited higher cognitive proficiency, particularly in working memory and cognitive flexibility, than their monolingual Kinh peers. However, despite their cognitive advantages, multilingual students faced greater challenges in English vocabulary acquisition, syntax, and phonological accuracy, likely due to structural differences between their native languages and English. The qualitative findings highlight the role of sociocultural factors, including limited access to resources and the desire to maintain cultural identity, in shaping language learning experiences among ethnic minority students. The study concludes that while multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities, ethnic minority students require targeted instructional support to overcome linguistic barriers in SLA. The findings have implications for language education policies, particularly in designing culturally sensitive curricula and improving access to quality English education in rural and ethnic minority communities.

Exploring the link between sedentary behavior and cognitive decline: a comprehensive study combining Mendelian randomization and animal model experiments.

The causal link between detrimental behaviors and cognitive performance remains unclear. This research seeks to investigate the causal impact of adjustable lifestyle factors on cognitive deterioration, including frequency of alcohol intake, onset of smoking, and sedentary activities like prolonged television viewing. This research combines large-scale genetic data obtained from univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses with experimental findings obtained from animal models. Our findings reveal that the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive function deterioration was 0.445 (inverse variance weighted [IVW] 95% CI: 0.370 to 0.536, p < 0.001) for each standard deviation increase in television watching time. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), number of days walked /moderate activity over 10+ min and education in Multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MVMR), only the genetic predisposition to increased television watching time remained significantly associated with worse cognitive function (OR 0.659, 95% CI: 0.452 to 0.960, p = 0.030). The other two habits had no significant effects. Sensitivity analyses have confirmed that genetic pleiotropy did not influence the results. To further explore the relationship between sedentary behavior and cognitive function, as well as the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a restricted cage housing experiment and a physical exercise training experiment in mice. The results showed that physical exercise significantly improved spatial memory, as assessed by the Morris water maze, and increased exploratory interest, as evaluated by the open field test (OFT) and the elevated plus-maze test, compared to the sedentary control group. These cognitive advantages may be mediated through mechanisms involving free radical scavenging and enhanced synaptic plasticity. Our research provides genetic evidence indicating that extended television viewing is linked to an elevated risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, experimental data from mouse models suggest that physical exercise can counteract cognitive decline and anxiety-like behaviors induced by sedentary behavior. This protective effect is likely mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanisms that enhance synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus.

Analysis of Factors Influencing L1 Proficiency of Bilingual Children

In the field of bilingualism, there are a multitude of studies that cover different topics such as the effects of early language exposure and the cognitive advantages of bilinguals, but one of the more underrepresented studies include the development of one’s first language, and the factors that play a part in it. In investigating the phenomenon of bilingualism, consideration on the intervening factors must be undertaken to create a more nuanced description of the relationship between the two variables. Hence, one-hundred Tagalog-English bilingual children aged 4-7 participated in the study to determine the difference of their L1 proficiency levels in terms of the following factors: (1) gender, (2) socio-economic status, (3) home language, and (4) community language. Participants were tasked to answer Tagalog proficiency tests covering grammar, vocabulary, and spelling to measure L1 proficiency. On the other hand, a demographic profile sheet was filled up by the parents to collect information on the factors provided. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the t-test was used to treat the data. The results showed the following: gender [F(1,98)=3.12; p=0.080] and socio-economic status [F(4,95)=0.93; p=0.448] were found to be insignificant to overall L1 proficiency, while those who reported using Tagalog as their home language [F(1,98)=11.04; p=0.001] and community language [F(1,98)=5.94; p=0.017] outperformed their English-using counterparts in L1 proficiency. The study ultimately displays that language exposure is a major element in the development of first language, and the interference of a second language may interrupt the proficiency of the first. However, the researchers recommend that future studies focus on specific factors and a thorough collection of data in order to accrue more accurate data.

Bilingualism's Influence on Cognitive Development

This paper explores the influence of bilingualism on cognitive development, focusing on its effects on executive functions, language processing, and auditory processing. The study examines different classifications of bilingualism and their implications for cognitive performance. Findings suggest that bilingual individuals often exhibit enhanced executive functions, such as improved attention, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities. Additionally, bilingualism may contribute to delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline. However, some challenges, including language interference and processing delays, are noted. The paper concludes by highlighting the cognitive advantages and potential limitations of bilingualism, providing insights into its role in shaping cognitive processes across the lifespan.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Kindergarten Children

Children who attend kindergarten are in the golden age for child development. During this period, children undergo significant advancements in various domains, such as physical, mental, and social development. Thus, outdoor activities are a crucial means to support development in these areas. The present literature review will examine the advantages of engaging children in outdoor activities during their kindergarten years. Our objective is to clarify the various benefits of outdoor activities for kindergarten children, including physical, cognitive, social, mental health, and sensory processing advantages.

Physical Exercise Prevents the Cognitive Decline among Older Adults in Romania.

Cognitive decline is one of the most important challenges related to the aging process, due to its important impact on individuals. Several studies have reported that physical exercise with a specific intensity and frequency is beneficial for maintaining cognitive health in the ageing population. The present study investigated the impact of general physical exercise on cognitive health in the older population in Romania. The study involved 60 individuals (60% male, 40% female), with a mean age of 60.78 years (SD = 2.97). The Health Interview Survey and The Minnesota Heart Survey assessed exercise frequency and intensity, while the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) determined mild cognitive impairment (MCI) levels. The results of the statistical analysis showed that high-intensity physical exercise at a frequency of three to four times a week at the age of 40-50 years is recommended in order to significantly reduce cognitive decline. In addition, for the age of 60 years old, the results established that engaging in physical activities of a moderate intensity with a frequency of 2-3 times per month is sufficient to maintain healthy cognition. The findings suggest that exercise can serve as a behavioral intervention to mitigate cognitive dysfunction and complement past research on its cognitive health advantages.

Unilateral vs. bilateral DLPFC rTMS: comparative effects on depression, visual-spatial memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in major depressive disorder.

Exciting left DLPFC activity with high frequency and inhibiting right DLPFC with low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder (MDD) and executive functions. However, few studies have directly compared unilateral and bilateral protocols. Forty-seven individuals with treatment-resistant MDD underwent 10 sessions of rTMS over left DLPFC (20 Hz), bilateral DLPFC (left 20 Hz, right 1 Hz), or sham stimulation. Outcomes were depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), visual-spatial memory (Corsi Block Test), response inhibition (Go/No-Go task), and cognitive flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) assessed before and after treatment. Both unilateral and bilateral rTMS significantly reduced depression levels versus sham controls based on BDI-II scores. While bilateral stimulation did not improve Corsi Test performance, unilateral protocol enhanced visual-spatial memory. On the Go/No-Go task, accuracy was higher in both active stimulation groups compared to sham, with no response time differences. Neither unilateral nor bilateral rTMS had significant effects on cognitive flexibility per the WCST. Despite comparable antidepressant effects, unilateral stimulation had some cognitive advantages over bilateral rTMS, potentially due to greater left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex excitation. Further research on parameter optimization is warranted.

Factors influencing compliance with multiple injection immunization among mothers of toddlers at The Public Health Center Porong Integrated Health Service Post, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Immunization significantly reduces infant and child morbidity and mortality rates globally. However, basic immunization coverage in 65 countries must catch up to the 90% global target. Multiple injection immunization involves administering multiple immunizations in one visit, enhancing early protection during vulnerable periods. This approach reduces the need for multiple health visits, which is particularly beneficial for children facing access barriers. It also improves healthcare efficiency, minimizes missed opportunities, and lessens the burden on parents needing frequent facility visits. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing compliance with multiple injection immunization among mothers of toddlers at the Public Health Center Porong Integrated Health Service Post, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia Method: Conducted in March 2024 at Public Health Centre Porong, Indonesia, this study employed a consecutive sampling method. It involved 100 mothers with infants aged 13 to 24 months who had received immunizations at the Post. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed to determine compliance rates and associated factors. Result: Among the participants, 91% of mothers were aged between 20 to 35 years, indicating a productive age group. The compliance rate for multiple injection immunization was 61%. Additionally, 74% of mothers had completed high school, suggesting a positive association between higher education and enhanced health decision-making capabilities. A significant proportion of mothers (75%) were not employed, highlighting the influence of occupation on health-related knowledge and practices. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity for targeted health education initiatives tailored to the diverse demographic and occupational characteristics of mothers. Such interventions should improve maternal knowledge and promote adherence to essential childhood immunizations, leveraging the cognitive advantages associated with higher education and non-working status. This approach aims to foster informed decision-making and proactive health behaviours among mothers in community health settings.

Cognitive characteristics of children with high mathematics achievement before they start formal schooling.

This 5-year longitudinal study examined whether high mathematics achievers in primary school had cognitive advantages before entering formal education. High mathematics achievement was defined as performing above Pc 90 in Grades 1 and 3. The predominantly White sample (Mage in preschool: 64 months) included 31 high achievers (12 girls) and 114 average achievers (63 girls). We measured children's early numerical abilities, complex mathematical abilities, and general cognitive abilities in preschool (2017). High mathematics achievers had advantages on most tasks in preschool (ds > 0.62). Number order, numeral recognition, and proportional reasoning were unique predictors of belonging to the high-achieving group in primary school. This study shows that the cognitive advantages of high mathematics achievement are already observed in preschool.

Multiple domain-general assessments of cognitive functions in elite athletes: Contrasting evidence for the influence of expertise, sport type and sex

Converging evidence has shown that domain-general cognitive abilities, especially executive functions (EF), tend to be superior in sport experts. However, recent studies have questioned this cognitive advantage and found inconsistent findings when comparing sport type and sex. This study aimed to compare the impact of sport expertise, sport type, and sex on various domains of cognitive functions.Two hundred and thirty elite athletes (nFemale = 124, nMale = 106) representing three sport categories (Team [n = 91], Precision-skill dependent [n = 63], and Speed-strength [n = 76] sports) were assessed using a computerized neuropsychological test battery including tests of EF (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and planning), as well as tests of selective and sustained attention. T-scores and raw values were used to analyze performance through t-tests and ANCOVA with age as covariate.Athletes demonstrated better performance than the normative mean on 5 out of 11 cognitive test variables (p < 0.005). However, their performance fell within the average range when considering the results along a normative scale, except for sustained attention and working memory where they performed just above average (<1 SD). There was a significant main effect of sport category on only one EF variable (p = 0.003). Males performed significantly faster than females on motor reaction time measures of attention and inhibition (all p < 0.001).In this study, the ‘expert advantage’ on domain-general cognitive tests was less prominent when utilizing a normative scale and controlling for age or speed-accuracy trade-offs, except for sustained attention and working-memory. Cognitive functions did not appear to differ meaningfully based on athletes’ sport type or sex.

Therapeutic potential of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in an Alzheimer-induced mice model: behavioural, biochemical and histopathological evidence

Objective The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in mitigating Alzheimer’s disease progression in mice, by examining behavioural changes, biochemical markers, and histopathological alterations, thus elucidating its potential as a treatment strategy. Methods The green synthesis method was used to synthesise this nanoformulation, which was then characterised using a variety of techniques, including percentage encapsulation efficacy, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, FT-IR, FESEM, and EDX. Several in-vivo assessments, including behavioural evaluations, dose optimisation studies, oxidative stress marker estimation, and histological studies, were conducted to determine the potential therapeutic impact of nanoformulation on the Alzheimer-induced mice model. Results The synthesised nanoparticles show a mean diameter of 76.12 nm ±1.23, a PDI of 0.313 ± 0.02, a zeta potential of 6.27 ± 0.65 mV, and the percentage encapsulation efficiency between 90% and 95% indicating good stability of synthesised nanoformulation. With the help of Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition assay, the learning capacity and memory were assessed, and the results show that the synthesised nanoformulation significantly decreased the transfer latency to reach baited arm or to the hidden platform within 7 days. Conclusion The formulation demonstrated significant biochemical benefits and remarkable cognitive advantages, establishing it as a prospective therapeutic intervention option that is both safe and effective.

The Influence of Music Training on Language Processing Skills in Adolescents in South Korea

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea revealed significant positive correlations between music education and language processing abilities. Adolescents who received music training demonstrated enhanced linguistic skills, including vocabulary acquisition and syntactic comprehension, compared to their peers without musical instruction. The findings suggest that musical training may contribute to cognitive advantages in language development during adolescence. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Neurocognitive theory of music, transfer of learning theory &amp; socio-cultural theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of music training on language processing skills in adolescents in South Korea. Advocate for the integration of structured music education programs in South Korean schools, emphasizing its potential benefits for language development. Advocate for policies that support the inclusion of music education as a core component of the curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering holistic cognitive development and academic achievement.

Effects of Second Language Acquisition on Executive Functioning in Older Adults in France

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of second language acquisition on executive functioning in older adults in France. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on second language acquisition in older adults in France indicates that learning a new language can boost cognitive abilities like problem-solving and multitasking. It enhances memory retention and cognitive flexibility, vital for maintaining mental acuity. Language learning stimulates brain regions linked to executive functions, potentially reducing cognitive decline and offering protective benefits against neurodegenerative diseases in aging populations. These findings highlight the cognitive advantages of bilingualism among older adults in France. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Bilingual advantage hypothesis, cognitive reserve theory &amp; neuroplasticity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effects of second language acquisition on executive functioning in older adults in France. Encourage lifelong learning programs that include SLA courses for older adults in France. Advocate for the inclusion of SLA programs in public health initiatives aimed at promoting cognitive health among older adults. Policy frameworks should support funding and infrastructure for community-based language learning initiatives.

Neurological functional outcome of early versus delayed cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy at a tertiary care centre

Cranioplasty performed after a decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or aneurysmal bleed has a role of restoring cerebral protection and craniofacial cosmesis as well as improving neuromotor function. There has been no consensus with regards to the ideal timing of cranioplasty (CP) after DC. A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital on patients who had undergone early (less than or equal to 12 weeks) and late (greater than 12 weeks) cranioplasty using autologous cranial bone after DC. Functional independence measure (FIM) tools were used to compare neuromotor and cognitive function outcome between the two groups. Appropriate statistical tools were used to compare neuromotor and cognitive function improvement as well as complication rates between early and late cranioplasty. A total of 31 adult patients of cranioplasty (21 male and 10 female) were evaluated. Sixteen had undergone early and 15 late cranioplasty. Comparison for neuromotor and cognitive function using FIM tools revealed statistically significant neuromotor and cognitive advantages in the early cranioplasty group. Overall complication rates between the two groups varied but were statistically insignificant. Performing an early cranioplasty provides advantages of improvement of neuromotor and cognitive function through early restoration of cerebrospinal fluid and intracerebral haemo-dynamics. It further avoids the potential problems of developing the ‘Syndrome of the Trephined’ (otherwise known as sinking skin flap syndrome) and resorption of the autologous bone.

Reframing developmental dyslexia and bilingualism: An overview to enhance strengths and advantages

This paper explores the evolving perceptions of bilingualism and developmental dyslexia, shifting from viewing them as deficits to acknowledging their inherent strengths. This overview contributes to the evolving narrative surrounding dyslexia and bilingualism, urging a revaluation of these conditions from deficit-centered perspectives to recognize the diverse cognitive abilities and adaptive advantages they offer. It delves into the positive aspects associated with developmental dyslexia, highlighting cognitive strengths like visuospatial skills, narrative reasoning, and dynamic reasoning.Additionally, it examines the multifaceted nature of bilingualism, outlining distinctions between types of bilingualism and emphasizing cognitive benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, attentional skills, and executive functions among bilingual individuals. The complexities of language acquisition, socioeconomic factors, and societal support are discussed in understanding the interplay between language acquisition and cognitive development in bilingual contexts. Furthermore, the paper navigates the intricate connection between dyslexia and bilingualism, emphasizing factors like language exposure, linguistic characteristics, and individual cognitive processes that influence their interaction. Dyslexia significantly impacts language acquisition and proficiency in both native and second languages, requiring tailored assessments and interventions for dyslexic bilingual individuals.

Exploring Bilingual Benefits: Verbal and Nonverbal Information Updating in Working Memory

Objectives: The present study aimed to confirm the cognitive advantages of bilingualism specifically in the domain of working memory updating. Methods: A total of sixty adults (aged 20 to 26) participated in the study, divided into three groups based on bilingual status: Bilingual-similar (n = 20), Bilingual-Mongolian weighted (n = 20), and Monolingual (n = 20). Participants completed working memory update tasks involving verbal or nonverbal stimuli. Information updated in working memory could be derived from perceptual input or long-term memory. Results: Bilingual advantages in working memory updating was found in both verbal and nonverbal task. The advantages in working memory updating depending on stimuli (verbal or nonverbal) exhibited similar patterns. However, the patterns of bilingual advantages varied depending on the source of information (perceptual input or long-term memory). While both bilingual groups showed advantages when the information source was perceptual input, only the Bilingual-similar group showed advantages when the source was long-term memory. Conclusion: The study provides further empirical support for the cognitive benefits associated with bilingualism, particularly in the realm of working memory updating. The current findings underscore the notion that bilinguals optimize domain-general cognitive control. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of information management in bilingual individuals across different information resources.