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The bilingual among us might have a leg up on those who speak only their native tongue.

German researchers in a recent study analyzed data from hundreds of older adults and found that those who speak two languages daily performed better on tests of memory, learning, language and self-control.

That is in contrast to those speaking just their mother tongue.

Neuroscientists suggest that bilingualists have brains trained to easily switch between languages. This then contributes to other skills that might prevent or slow cognitive decline or dementia.

Those other skills include multitasking, self-control and managing emotions. An active brain, it seems, has a protective effect.

Researchers studied 746 people ages 59 to 76, all of whom had normal cognition scores. Some had memory problems, while others did not.

Participants took tests measuring vocabulary, memory, attention span and difficulty with calculation tasks.

Older adults who used a second language between the ages of 13 to 65 posted higher scores than those who spoke only one language at the same ages.

This work builds on other investigations showing some of the same brain impacts. But some warn that not all research finds bilingualism advantageous to brain health.

Even so, the strength of this newer study is the large number of speakers it examined.

Unclear is the benefit of speaking three languages. One can only guess what these scientists would make of the unassuming carpet cleaner in Washington, D.C., profiled by the media in 2022.

His language tally is 24.