Exploring the role of bilingualism in Dementia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the role of bilingualism on the onset and the progression of dementia. A Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
165813
Contact name
Sahan Mendis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust.
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 3 days
Research summary
Cognitive training is being increasingly accepted as a very important clinical tool in delaying dementia and may have an important role in slowing down disease progression in those who already been diagnosed with it. It is exceptionally difficult to test cognitive training short term. Research, in general, is showing that brain capacity and cognitive abilities increase in those who speak a second language. Further, learning a new language has been added to “things to do” to stay healthier by Alzheimer’s society. There is increasing evidence supporting a role for bilingualism in enhancing protective cognitive reserve. Therefore, in this study we intend to assess whether bilingual dementia patients present later in life compared to those who speak only one language. Further, the study aims to assess whether bilingualism delays the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) once it develops.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1320
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion