Keeping the Brain Sharp

The brain weighs about three pounds, and it’s a complex organ. It controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body.1

We often hear that we need to keep the brain sharp and healthy so it can support our functions throughout the years. Suggestions such as meeting up with friends and socializing, completing puzzles, meditating, following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are among the most common.2 But what about using your non-dominant hand? Well, according to a study from the University of Missouri, that helps too.3 Even taking a different route to work, the grocery store, or other familiar places each week can help keep our brains healthy.4

What about learning a second language? Absolutely! According to a news article I read not too long ago,

“Multilingualism is supposed to improve ‘executive function’, a loose concept that includes the ability to ignore distractions, plan complex tasks and update beliefs as new information arrives. Most striking, numerous studies have even shown that bilinguals undergo a later onset of dementia, perhaps of around four years, on average.”5

Even though experts are not 100% in agreement about its role in preventing dementia, it’s still worth pursuing. Learning a second language is a new skill that can benefit your brain in the long run, similar to learning to play a musical instrument.

I know that learning a new language is challenging, but the process of building vocabulary, understanding grammar, and practicing conversations is both exciting and mentally stimulating.

I’m proficient in both Spanish and English, and with a little effort, I can mostly understand written Italian, Portuguese, and French—all Romance languages like Spanish. According to the same article,

“Switching languages frequently in the course of a day (or conversation) may be particularly important. Studies of interpreters and translators have provided some of the strongest evidence for a bilingual advantage. For example, they are faster at repeatedly jumping back and forth between simple addition and subtraction problems than monolinguals, suggesting generally better cognitive control.”

I’ve served as an interpreter twice in my life—officially, at least. The first time was during a pre-court-martial hearing, supporting accused soldiers who were still learning English. The second was during my service with NATO, assisting a South American delegation. The experience was intense; switching back and forth between English and Spanish was a full workout for my brain. Of course, that kind of switching happens daily in our home, so I definitely relate to the article.

It’s always helpful to learn new ways to keep our brains in top shape, and learning a new language is a great option.

I really liked how the article ended:

“But all these studies take for granted the uncontroversial mental superpower that you get from language study: being able to talk to people you could not have spoken to, or understood, otherwise.”

I couldn’t agree more, particularly as we keep connecting with new people in our WordPress community.

  1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain ↩︎
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22638-brain ↩︎
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4903896/ ↩︎
  4. https://www.insidehook.com/wellness/cognitive-benefits-using-non-dominant-hand ↩︎
  5. The Economist. (2025, June 27). Is being bilingual good for your brain? The Economist. https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/06/27/is-being-bilingual-good-for-your-brain ↩︎

56 thoughts on “Keeping the Brain Sharp”

  2. What a great post highlighting a of the ways to keep our brain active and learning, Edward! Impressive you are learning languages! One big thing that is crucial is exercise that keeps the brain active and in shape!
    🩷

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  3. Thank you for the article and for your service, Edward. Sounds like your bilingual skills have served you, and others, well. I practice Spanish here and there but returning to a classroom situation would be beneficial. Other activities mentioned in your article, like using “your non-dominant hand” are part of my day-to-day. It can feel awkward, but it is fun to make progress.

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    1. You’re welcome, Michele. Returning to a classroom, or perhaps finding a group that meets for lunch once a week to practice, is definitely beneficial. The more practice, the better. Using the non-dominant hand is super awkward. My handwriting is horrible. 🤦🏻‍♂️

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      1. Love the idea of a language lunch group. I don’t “do lunches” but I do love the idea of a learning lunch. I attended a free conversational Spanish class at a local library pre-covid. That was a whirlwind! Oh yes, handwriting involves some advanced skills! 😆

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        1. I was planning to suggest a coffee shop, but I don’t think you drink coffee, maybe tea? The other day, I went to a coffee shop and saw a group that probably meets regularly, and they were having a blast. Some of them were just drinking water.

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  4. I do practice motor skills of working with my non dominant hand. Had not considered the impact on my brain though. Was mostly as a challenge. Now I’ve read this I’m gonna be more committed to doing these exercises you mentioned. Great post, Edward.

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  5. Hi Edward, this is a great post. You are fortunate to be good at languages. I’ve never found other languages easy to learn. Even foreign names require effort from me to remember and pronounce. Writing and reading poetry are also good ways of staving off dementia so, thankfully, there are several ways to work towards this objective.

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    1. You’re right, Robbie. There are plenty of sources indicating that poetry, painting, and other arts are also beneficial. I’m sure photography is excellent too, observing and trying to capture the perfect shot must really get the brain working.

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  7. There are many reasons why our bodies and minds become ill, but there also are many ways we can do our best to aid good health. Learning languages, as you say, is one of those ways. Such an important post, Edward.

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  8. Ooooh! I’m with you! I love that closing sentence in the article. Being bilingual or multilingual is no doubt good for our cognitive health but it’s also the gateway to understanding. Yes! Always impressed with your language skills and if I missed it along the way, I’m sorry. Soooo impressive that you were an interpreter in two very high stakes situations – a pre-court martial hearing and working for NATO. Honored to know you, Edward! 🥰

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    1. Thank you so much, my friend. That part of the article really stuck with me because I never thought I’d be engaging with bloggers from around the world. The translation option that WordPress provides is awesome and really helpful for practicing a foreign language.

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  9. In the modern world that is so closely connected, this is such great advice. Whether for practical reasons (being able to speak to others you otherwise couldn’t), or for the potential health benefits, adding a language to one’s toolbox is amazing!

    –Scott

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    1. I appreciate your comment, Scott. Learning a foreign language can be a real asset. I was surprised at the number of Europeans who are able to speak multiple languages when I lived in Belgium, especially in Belgium, where there are three languages, and some residents can switch between all three with ease. I bet their brains are super healthy.

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  10. I have beginning Spanish down after teaching PreKindergarten for years and working with our Spanish teacher, and she’s told me I’m more of a Spang-lish speaker, but gives me credit for always trying to go further –

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  12. Very interesting post, Edward! It’s indeed so important to care for our brain in the best possible way. I related mostly to the use of the non-dominant hand. Something I’ve done since my teens. I used to train writing with my left hand back then. Later, I started to use my non-dominant hand as a mindful exercise. And it works wonders! The most intriguing thing is that I naturally do certain things only with one hand, and it may not be the dominant one. For example, I always grab my cup or a jar with my left hand, though I am right-handed. Thank you for sharing these simple yet essential ways of caring for our brain. Much enjoyed! Lots of light and blessings your way 🙏✨

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    1. You’re welcome, and thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve started using my left hand more, and I want to get to the point where I’m able to write with it. My writing isn’t pretty yet, but I’ll get there. I truly appreciate your presence and thoughtful comments, my friend.

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  15. I took Spanish for a couple of years on Duoling and started my Portuguese there but ultimately switched to Memrise. My new sister-in-law is from Brazil, so I am trying to learn the language. Its much easier having learned some Spanish first, but still challenging with the French influence.

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  17. Being able to communicate in more than one language even has benefits beyond being good for your brain. Language also provides people with close ties to culture, traditions, and history. My French isn’t as good as I’d like it to be, but even the sound of a québécois or acadian accent makes me feel like I’m home.

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    1. Absolutely, Jane. It’s such a great feeling when you can visit a place, communicate with people, and enjoy the culture. I remember the first time I visited Spain, how amazing it was. Reading about Spain when I was in Puerto Rico and learning about our cultural connection was one thing, but being there in person and speaking with the people was truly incredible.

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  18. Being an English speaking Canadian, we were required to take French classes in grades 9 through 12. I’ve retained a bit of the language, both written and spoken, but am doing a refresher through the Rosetta Stone app. I’m also trying to learn Spanish via the Babbel app. It’s definitely not easy – as you say though, it’s good exercise for the old brain, Edward. I’m looking forward to in person conversational Spanish lessons being offered this year (for the first time) in our park in South Texas. I’m hopeful that what I’m doing on my own will be a bit of a benefit.

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    1. Cool! I want to work on my French, and I’m hoping to interact more with my WordPress friends who speak it, maybe even add a few more. There are some great bloggers writing in Spanish, so that might give you another way to practice. Thank you, Terry.

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  19. In my younger years, I had a knack for learning languages. I have kept up my knowledge of French, but have forgotten most of my German because I just don’t have the opportunity to use it. That’s one of my retirement goals, though—to refresh my German and plan a trip to Germany.

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    1. That’s a great goal. Mine is to become proficient in French. I really want to focus on building my vocabulary and improving my writing. I’m following a few French bloggers, and I want to get better at communicating with them. Thank you, Michelle.

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