Our Research

Research Project with the Open University:

Since 2015, Lingo Flamingo has been delivering language classes to senior learners with dementia for improved cognitive wellbeing. Following research emerging concerning the benefits of bilingualism in delaying dementia and aiding with cognitive health in instances such as stroke recovery, Lingo Flamingo aimed to put this finding into practice by introducing language learning as an enjoyable and beneficial activity for senior learners in care setting and in dementia support groups. After years of experience, Lingo Flamingo continues to provide classes which are ‘good for the brain, good for the banter’.

Since 2023, we have been publishing annual Social Impact Reports which explain in detail the social impact we are creating within our care home and hub classes.

In July 2024, as part of the Open University’s “Challenge Us!”, we were awarded funding to explore the nuances of the impact created in care homes through the lenses of our tutors, students, care home staff and their families. The research was undertaken over a 6-month period, which interviewed and observed over 40 participants. The findings showcase the impact that our classes are having on our student's mental health, wellbeing and cognitive health, as well as their joy at being able to access educational opportunities later in life.

Our Research Foundations:

Studies published by the University of Edinburgh show that those who can speak a second language tend to develop dementia up to 5 years later than those of us who can only speak one. This level of prevention is greater than anything currently offered in the fields of medicine or pharmacology, and it's for such reasons that many are calling for language learning to be viewed as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, much like exercising or maintaining a balanced diet. 

Why is language learning so good for the brain? Language learning acts as an incredibly effective workout for the mind… 

Language learning keeps the brain active by employing the ‘desirable difficulties’ of novelty, challenge, and effort. It leads to measurable cognitive improvements (particularly when compared to less taxing, more familiar activities). That’s to say, the constant juggling between distinct sounds, new words, and unfamiliar concepts acts as an efficient brain workout, building up higher levels of what is known as ‘cognitive reserve’, leading to a healthy and active mind. All of this improves our decision-making and multi-tasking skills and heightens our ability to concentrate and communicate.

The same body of research shows that the stimulating effects of language are not confined to those who learnt their second language in early life, nor those who have mastered their language perfectly. Rather, directed language learning positively affects mental performance and ability after just one week.

This incredible research catalyses Lingo Flamingo as we put it into action daily through our challenging but accessible care home/day centre classes for older adults and those living with dementia. We also employ the same research-based approaches to the community classes delivered in our Language Hub.

“I’m delighted to be a part of this excellent initiative which combines my research interests in bilingualism, cognitive ageing, and neurology. It’s a win-win for everyone involved – the students, the teachers, and ultimately Scotland as a whole.  ”

— Dr Thomas Bak, cognitive neuroscientist, University of Edinburgh.

Our Own Research:

We are constantly trying to gauge feedback and measure our classes' impact on participants, families, carers and care homes.  We use various methods to measure this, from cognitive testing to feedback surveys.

Useful Links:

Download our 2024 Social Impact Report to see what Lingo has achieved in the past year.