This project aims to employ a multidimensional approach encompassing various levels of explanation for the protective effects of bilingualism. This ranges from cognitive factors to neurobiological data, including the analysis of neuroimaging and disease-related biomarkers. Through this endeavor, we seek comprehensive insights by analyzing a unique dataset obtained from a substantial sample of 2,700 individuals aged between 45 and 75 years, sourced from the ALFA and ALFA+ study with older adults by a) examining the influence of bilingualism on memory and executive control; b) investigating the effects of bilingualism on the structural and metabolic characteristics of brain areas known to be influenced by bilingualism during midlife; c) exploring the cognitive and neural connections of bilingualism concerning the risk of conversion to dementia; and d) analyzing the longitudinal changes in cognitive and brain reserve.

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