Learning Language and Music Makes Brain Healthier
Are you a polyglot group (can be more than two languages) at the same time likes to play an instrument? If so, do not stop the habit.
That's because both habits can keep the brain healthy. This is shown in a paper published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
According to the study, individuals with bilingual or musical backgrounds activate different brain tissues and show fewer brain activity to complete the task.
"These findings suggest that musicians and people who speak more than one language require less effort to perform the same task," said Dr Claude Alain, lead author of the study.
According to Alain, this can protect them against cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
"Our results also show that one's experience, whether it is learning how to play a musical instrument or another language, can shape how brain and tissue functions are used," said the scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute.
The findings were obtained by researchers from Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care, Canada after recruiting 41 respondents aged between 19-35 years.
Subsequently, the participants were divided into three groups.
The first group contains only English-speaking participants from non-musicians. The second group is English-speaking musicians.
Meanwhile, the third group are participants who are fluent in both languages but not adept at playing music.
Then, the participants' brain image was captured when they were asked to identify whether the sound heard was the same as the previous sound.
Not only that, they are also asked to detect whether the direction of the sound with the previous.
As a result, musicians remember sounds faster than individuals in other groups. Meanwhile, individuals in groups of musicians who can speak more than one language are more correct in answering the sound location.
The bilingual also responds quickly to the sound, although not as fast as the musician. While those who are not musicians and only speak in one language more slowly capture voice information.
"People who speak two languages may take longer to process the sound. Because the information must be digested first through two languages, "said Dr. Alain.
This corresponds to a description of the bilingual brain activity. Alain added, the area of speech understanding in the brain is more active than other areas.
Thus, the brains of the polyglot and musicians already know exactly which areas to use when recording memory. Parts of the brain immediately alert and know their respective functions.
Thus, the brain does not have to work hard to activate the entire network, but not used.
These findings at once lead to the upcoming thinking that music and language can counteract dementia and decrease cognitive function.
Follow Me @muhammadibra
