Bilingualism Is Associated With Less Severe Cognitive Impairment (P2.172)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of bilingualism and its association with cognitive impairment in an older Mexican American population. BACKGROUND: The role of bilingualism and its effect on cognitive impairment has only been reported by a limited number of clinical-based studies. However, most of these studies look at bilingualism as a protective factor for the age of onset of dementia and cognitive impairment. This study looks at the effect of bilingualism and its association with cognitive impairment in a distinct Mexican American population. METHODS: 628 bilingual and monolingual Mexican born elder’s (蠅65 years), from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA), cognitive function were assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS). Groups were analyzed for differences using analysis of covariance. Additionally, a subgroup received the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales (SENAS). RESULTS: The two groups (monolingual n= 289;bilingual n=339) were not significantly different in age. However, there were significant differences in years of education (bilingual:6.30±4.58; monolingual:2.15±2.67, p=.003). After controlling for education, the bilingual group was less cognitively impaired than the monolingual group (83.57, ±14.41 vs. 74.27, ±17.74) [F(1,625) =9.54, p=.002]. In addition, after controlling for age and education in a subgroup (monolingual n=109; bilingual n=116), bilingual individuals scored significantly higher on the verbal and non-verbal semantic memory and verbal conceptual thinking subtests of the SENAS ([F(1, 222) = 23.83, p<.001, ηp2= .10], [F(1, 222) = 17.77, p<.001, ηp2 = .7], [F(1, 223) = 23.77, p<.001,ηp2 = .10].) CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of older Mexican Americans, bilingualism was significantly associated with less cognitive impairment independent of level of education. These findings corroborate the current literature findings that multiple language use provides a protective advantage against the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Disclosure: Dr. Padilla has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barsuglia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Joshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Teng's spouse holds stock and/or stock options in GE Healthcare and Cerner Corporation.