Stroke patients are more likely to regain their cognitive functions if they speak more than one language, new research has discovered.
最新研究发现,如果中风患者会说不只一种语言,那么他们更有可能恢复认知能力。
A study of more than 600 stroke victims found 40.5% of those who are multilingual had normal mental functions afterwards, compared to 19.6% of patients who only speak one language.
The study was carried out by a team from the University of Edinburgh together with the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad - with the Indian city chosen as the location for the study because its multi-cultural nature means many languages are commonly spoken.
Researchers took into account other factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and age to ensure results could not be attributed to having a healthier lifestyle.
The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, found 'results support the notion of a protective role of bilingualism in the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment'.
It is the first time a study has been done looking at the relationship between the number of languages spoken and a patient's cognitive outcome after stroke.
这是首次有研究关注“会说几种语言”与“中风后患者的认知程度”之间的关系。
'The percentage of patients with intact cognitive functions post-stroke was more than twice as high in bilinguals than in monolinguals,' the paper said.
该论文称,“中风后认知功能未受损的双语患者的百分比数量是单语患者的两倍多。”
'In contrast, patients with cognitive impairment were more common in monolinguals.'
“相反,认知功能障碍在单语患者中更常见。”
Researchers believe the study, which was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, suggests the mental challenge of speaking multiple languages can boost cognitive reserve - an improved ability of the brain to cope with damaging influences such as stroke or dementia.
Co-author Thomas Bak, of the University of Edinburgh's school of philosophy, psychology and language sciences said: 'Bilingualism makes people switch from one language to another, so while they inhibit one language, they have to activate another to communicate.