An individualized functional magnetic resonance imaging protocol to assess semantic congruency effects on episodic memory in an aging multilingual population

The cognitive stimulation induced by multilingualism may slow down age-related memory impairment. However, a suitable neuroscientific framework to assess the influence of multilingualism on age-related memory processes is missing. We propose an experimental paradigm that assesses the effects of semantic congruency on episodic memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). To this end, we modified the picture-word interference (PWI) task to be suitable for the assessment of older multilingual subjects undergoing fMRI. In particular, stimulus materials were prepared in multiple languages (French, German, Luxembourgish, English) and closely matched in semantic properties, thus enabling participants to perform the experiment in a language of their choice. This paradigm was validated in a group (n = 62) of healthy, older participants (over 64 years) who were multilingual, all practicing three or more languages. Consistent with the engagement of semantic congruency processes, we found that the encoding and recognition of semantically related vs. unrelated picture-word pairs evoked robust differences in behavior and the neural activity of parietal-temporal networks. These effects were negligibly modulated by the language used to perform the task. Based on this validation in a multilingual population, we conclude that the proposed paradigm will allow future studies to evaluate whether multilingualism aptitude engages neural systems in a manner that protects long-term memory from aging-related decline.

Author(s): Perquin Magali, Viswanathan Shivakumar, Vaillant Michel, Risius Okka, Huiart Laetitia, Schmit Jean-Claude, Diederich Nico J, Fink Gereon R, Kukolja Juraj

Publishing year: 2022

Pages: 873376

In relation to

Our latest news

news

Swim Safely by Following the Right Steps

news

Santé publique France Publishes Its 2025 Annual Report: 10 Years of...

news

Update on all-cause mortality for the period from June 22 to 28, 2026