Redesigning the Brain: The Effect of Bilingualism on Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is a relatively new subject of study in the past few decades. One’s genetic background and environmental adaptations, are known to lay the foundation for one’s capacity for neuroplasticity. This study focuses on bilingualism to examine the relative effects of genetic expression and environmental background on cognitive performance in those who are bilingual. Peer-reviewed scientific journals and recent studies were referenced to understand these correlations. Bilingualism has been found to have physiological effects that leads to greater connectivity in the brain, and ultimately, greater ability for cognitive development. Although concrete ratios of the influences of genetics to environment on neuroplasticity have not been found, future research on academic performance in relation to genetics and environment could help bolster current research findings on fostering neuroplasticity.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1031/thumbnail.jp