Chapter 14. Bilingualism and brain structure

The study of the effects bilingualism on brain structure has gained significant traction in last decade, naturally following pioneering work by Ellen Bialystok and others cognition. However, despite general interest enthusiasm about related evidence, field bilingualism-induced structural plasticity remains young relatively unexplored. At same time, this been largely limited to healthy populations. This chapter revisits reviews evidence neuroplasticity contemporary theories that provide explanations available with a particular focus ageing patient bilingual brain. Specifically, full account reported bilinguals is provided, followed findings from diseases cause progressive decline, such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s Huntington’s diseases, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis. concludes some suggestions for future directions field.