Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Multilingualism has been associated with cognitive benefits in aging, but effects may depend on socioeconomic and environmental contexts. We examined whether life course socioeconomic status (SES) and urbanicity influence associations between multilingualism and cognitive trajectories.
METHODS
Data came from 4091 older adults in the Longitudinal Aging Study in India–Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia, a nationally representative study of cognitive aging. Participants completed a neuropsychological battery at baseline and follow‐up (M = 4.7 years). Linear mixed‐effects models assessed associations among multilingualism, SES, and urbanicity with cognitive performance and decline.
RESULTS
Multilingualism, higher SES, and urban residence were each associated with better baseline cognition. Among multilingual people, benefits were strongest among high‐SES and urban …

Date

2026

Authors

Iris M Strangmann, Emma Nichols, Erik Meijer, Pranali Khobragade, Madeleine Snider, Shrikanth Narayanan, Jinkook Lee, Miguel Arce Rentería

Journal

Alzheimer's & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging

Volume

2

Issue

3

Pages

e70087