Could being a verbal whiz help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? The answer may be “yes”, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. It appears that people with more complex language skills may be less likely to develop this debilitating brain disease.

Language Skills and Alzheimer’s Risk: A Study

Researchers studied the brains of a group of thirty-eight nuns after they had passed away to look for signs of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles which are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. They then divided them into groups based on whether they had had memory problems that could be suggestive of Alzheimer’s disease. They went on to analyze language essays written by each nun when she was in her early twenties. The researchers found that those nuns who wrote more complex essays and who had higher language scores were less likely to have had memory problems at the time of their death, even if the brain showed neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

What Does This Mean?

This study suggests that having higher verbal ability at a younger age may offer some protection against the symptoms of dementia, even if the brain shows evidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Although having complex language skills may not necessarily decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s as a disease, it could help to offset some of the devastating memory problems associated with it. This is one of the first studies to suggest that verbal abilities at a young age may help to shield the brain against memory problems and the effects of dementia later in life.

Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Activities

Previous studies have shown that participating in hobbies that challenge the brain may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Doing activities that exercise the mind such as verbal skills, crossword puzzles, and other brain teasers when done on a frequent basis are all thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while social isolation is believed to increase the risk. Some studies have also shown that a mentally stimulating job provides some protection. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease prevention, there seems to be some benefit to keeping the mind active and engaged and maintaining strong ties to the outside world.

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?

While there’s little one can do to alter their natural verbal skills and abilities, keeping the mind active may be a way to reduce the odds of developing memory problems and dementia later in life. Getting the body moving also appears to have benefits as the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is lower in those who are physically active. Adopting an overall healthy lifestyle certainly has its bonuses, one of which may be a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.