Impact of an 18-month non-native language intervention on episodic memory and the underlying neural mechanisms in cognitively unimpaired older adults

Why clinicians should know about it

• Picked for Psychiatry and Mental Health (paper of the day, 25 July 2026).

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Episodic memory decline impairs daily functioning in aging. This secondary analysis of data from the Age-Well randomized controlled trial (RCT), we examined whether non-native language training (NNLT) benefits memory and its neural correlates in older adults. METHODS: Participants from the Age-Well RCT (aged ≥ 65) were assigned to an 18-month NNLT (N = 45), or no-intervention (N = 44) group. Episodic memory (California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition [CVLT-II] and Logical Memory), and hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex volumes and perfusion were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Linear mixed models tested visit x group interactions. Regressions examined associations between memory and neuroimaging changes, adjusted for age, sex, education, and baseline memory performance. RESULTS: A visit x group interaction was observed (F = 6.77, p = 0.01): the NNLT group maintained CVLT-II delayed free recall performance, while the no-intervention group declined. Within the NNLT group, changes in this score correlated positively with changes in hippocampal perfusion. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that NNLT may help preserve hippocampus-dependent long-term episodic memory in aging.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.