Brain image scans show differences in the brains of those with normal cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. (Cindee Madison and Susan Landau/UC Berkeley)

As if being bilingual wasn’t impressive enough already, it could also help you stave off the devastating effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

A new Canadian study from the Rotman Research Institute, including researchers from York University and the University of Toronto, finds that speaking two or more languages from an early age can delay the onset of certain forms of dementia by as much as five years.

According to the study, lifelong bilingualism promotes the development of a cognitive reserve that helps individuals cope with Alzheimer’s for longer that those who can only speak one language. The use of multiple languages, researchers suggest, provides individuals with compensatory skills that subdue symptoms like memory loss and confusion, delaying the onset of symptoms . . . → Read More: Dust Off That French-English Dictionary: Study Shows Bilingualism Can Delay Onset of Alzheimer’s