Resting-state measures of language experience and cognitive reserve in aging and cognitive impairment

What is this Study about?

This study will uncover how bilingualism supports healthy cognitive aging by examining the influence of different language experiences on the timing and location of brain network activity. We will examine the timing of brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG; i.e., recordings of electrical brain activity) and the location of brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; i.e., images of activity in different parts of the brain). Different language experience factors will additionally be explored. By measuring multiple factors (e.g., the age of second language learning, language proficiency) the effect(s) of different language experiences on the brain and cognition will become clearer.

What Will Happen in This Study?

Participants will attend 2 sessions over a total of 2.5 hours. We ask participants to fill out questionnaires about their cognitive symptoms and language background. Participants will have their hearing screened and will complete some language and cognitive activities. Some of these activities will take place while we measure brain activity using non-invasive measures of electroencephalography (EEG; i.e., recordings of electrical brain activity to determine the timing of brain activity) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; i.e., images of activity in different parts of the brain to determine the location of brain activity).

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

You are eligible to participate if you:

- are a French-English bilingual over the age of 65

- have mild cognitive impairment

- have Alzheimer's disease

- are a healthy older adult (i.e., have no cognitive conditions)

Please note that you do not need to be completely fluent in both English and French, just to have some familiarity, experience or training with both languages to be eligible to participate.

Thank you for your consideration!

Legal Disclaimer

Any materials or links provided herein are strictly for informational purposes only. The Alzheimer Society of Canada does not endorse nor recommend any of the manufacturers, products or institutions mentioned in any of these links or listings as suitable or appropriate for your particular situation or circumstances and disclaims any liability with respect to representations, warranties, including fitness for an intended particular use or purpose, and all other claims relating thereto, all of which remain strictly with the manufacturer or institution.

In no event shall the Alzheimer Society of Canada or any third parties mentioned on the website be liable for any damage (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages for personal injury/wrongful death, lost profits or damages resulting from lost data or business interruption) or personal injury (including death) resulting from the use, misuse or inability to use any activity, product or service mentioned herein, whether based in warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory.

Everyone considering participating in any activity is encouraged to speak with their own doctor or health-care team before participating in any activity that may impact their health or well-being.