Corrigendum: Effects of Second Language Learning on the Plastic Aging Brain: Functional Connectivity, Cognitive Decline, and Reorganization

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are frequently associated with impairments in emotional regulation and behavioural control. Among the most prevalent substances of abuse, alcohol and cocaine are known to exert distinct effects on neuropsychological functioning. This study aimed to compare individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) in terms of impulsivity and alexithymia, and to examine the clinical implications of poly-substance use involving both alcohol and cocaine. Participants completed standardized psychometric assessments, including the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Group comparisons were conducted using non-parametric tests, and logistic regression models were applied to control for demographic covariates. The findings showed that impulsivity levels were comparable across groups, whereas alexithymia scores were significantly higher in individuals with AUD and in those with poly-substance use, relative to CUD-only participants. These findings underscore the relevance of targeting emotional regulation difficulties, particularly alexithymia, in the assessment and treatment of SUDs. Integrating emotion-focused interventions may enhance treatment outcomes, especially for individuals with co-occurring substance use patterns. Future research is needed to clarify the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms contributing to these differences and to inform more personalized approaches to addiction care.

Objective Bilingualism has been associated with cognitive benefits and a potential protective effect against neurodegenerative conditions. Previous research has shown that bilingual individuals exhibit greater white matter integrity compared to monolinguals of the same age. However, the impact of foreign-language learning on brain structure in older adults during the initial stages of language acquisition remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive and structural effects of a four-month-long foreign language learning program in a group of healthy monolinguals older adult. Materials and Methods Thirteen Italian-speaking participants (aged 59-78) underwent a four-month intensive English course for beginners. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to evaluate executive cognitive functions, as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine brain structural changes. Results The study findings showed substantial increases in axial, radial, and mean diffusivity during the four-month language learning period. The most prominent variations were observed in key brain regions, namely the fronto-occipital fasciculus, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the corpus callosum areas. Notably, brain-behaviour correlations indicated a robust positive relationship between changes in axial diffusivity and performance on the Stroop task, a well-established measure of cognitive interference inhibition. Conclusions These findings suggest that a four-month foreign language learning program can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly affecting white matter integrity and that these structural changes are associated with improvements in executive functions. The study underscores the potential of brief language learning interventions to influence brain structure and enhance cognitive abilities in older adults. Highlights Bilingualism is associated with cognitive advantages and the potential for protection against neurodegenerative conditions, as evidenced by bilingual individuals displaying enhanced white matter integrity compared to individuals who are monolingual and of the same age. The study investigates how a four-month foreign language learning program affects brain structure in older adults during the initial stages of language acquisition The research reveals significant increases in axial, radial, and mean diffusivity in key brain regions, including the fronto-occipital fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and corpus callosum, during the language learning period. The study demonstrates a positive link between changes in axial diffusivity and performance on the Stroop task, indicating that short language learning interventions can lead to structural brain changes associated with improved executive functions in older adults.

Background: Foreign language learning (FLL) in older adults is a cognitive training tool that enhances neuroplasticity and supports cognitive reserve. While its impact on cortical networks is well‐documented, little is known about its effects on subcortical structures, particularly the cerebellum. Given its role in learning and aging, we hypothesize that FLL selectively modulates cerebellar‐cortical connectivity, with changes in connectivity overlapping with regions rich in CB1 and GABAa receptor expression. Methods: We conducted a resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) MRI study on 27 older adults randomly assigned to either a four‐month FLL intervention ( n = 14) or a control group ( n = 13). We performed seed‐based analyses of cerebellar subregions using voxel‐wise comparisons to identify FLL‐induced connectivity changes. Additionally, we examined spatial correlations between these changes and receptor expression maps from publicly available databases. Results: The FLL group exhibited significant alterations in cerebellar‐cortical connectivity. Specifically, Crus I showed decreased connectivity with the posterior cingulate cortex, while Lobule VI exhibited increased connectivity with the superior frontal cortex. Additionally, Vermis IX showed reduced connectivity with the occipital cortex. These connectivity changes spatially overlapped with the distribution of CB1 receptors in Lobule VI and GABAa receptors in Vermis IV‐V. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the role of the cerebellum in the neural adaptations associated with FLL in older adults. The observed connectivity changes suggest a link between FLL‐induced neuroplasticity and the distribution of CB1 and GABAa receptors, shedding light on potential molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive resilience in aging.