Bilingualism: A Global Public Health Strategy for Healthy Cognitive Aging

Dementia is a global public health priority which cost societies $818 billion in 2015 and disproportionately impacting low middle-income countries (LMICs). With limited availability of disease modifying drugs to treat Alzheimer's (AD), researchers have increasingly focused on preventative strategies may promote healthy cognitive aging mitigate the risk impairment aging. Lifelong bilingualism has been presented as both highly debated promising reserve factor associated with better outcomes A recent metanalysis suggested that bilingual individuals present average 4.05 years later clinical features AD than monolinguals. Bilinguals are also diagnosed ~2.0 monolingual counterparts. In this perspective piece we critically evaluate findings consider specific implications these LMICs. Furthermore, appraise major epidemiological studies conducted globally onset dementia. We how impactful robust cognition older age be Given expenditure resources available LMICs minimal successes trials propose should positioned an important strategy for maintaining Finally, reflect upon scope implementing within education systems promotion initiative government policy.