Learning second language has brain benefits

Bilingual people seem to maintain better thinking functions as they grow older, compared with people who speak only one language, according to researchers with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Studies also show bilinguals who develop Alzheimer's disease do so later in life.

Researchers say language learning may help keep the mind active and build up what they call "cognitive reserve" to resist the onset of aging.

Scientists also found bilinguals are better at multitasking than people who only spoke their native tongue.