Visiting the doctor in a foreign land

According to researchers at Iowa State University, learning a new language does not prevent or cure dementia. Still, research suggests it can delay the onset of symptoms by an average of 4 to 5 years. Active language use builds cognitive reserve, making the brain more resilient to age-related damage or Alzheimer disease pathology.¹

But fighting cognitive decline is not my motive for studying Brazilian Portuguese. I am trying to learn this language because I have many Brazilian friends who are ophthalmologists, and I love Brazilian music, food, culture, and sports—the whole package.

So, while using my language app to study recently, for the first time, I found myself bursting into laughter during the lesson. The section was billed as covering medical language, and I thought it might come in handy if I ever traveled to Brazil and became ill, so I looked forward to learning the vocabulary.

• Estou com febre. (I have a fever.)
• Ele está resfriado. (He has a cold.)
• Eu estou com dor de cabeça. (I have a headache.)
• Você consegue mexer o braço? (Are you able to move your arm?)

All good so far. But then the funny part started.

• Eu preciso agendar uma consulta com o médico. (I must schedule an appointment with the doctor.)
• Espere aqui pela enfermeira. (Wait here for the nurse.)
• Quanto tempo vou esperar pelo médico? (How long am I going to wait for the doctor?)
• Você tem que preencher este formulário. (You have to complete this form.)
• Você precisa assinar o formulário nesta linha. (You need to sign the form on this line.)

I began to chuckle as I realized the lesson dealt much more with the joys of getting an appointment, completing paperwork, sitting in the waiting room, and inquiring about how long the wait would be to see the doctor than it did with actual medical problems and symptoms.

Is this how the world views medical care these days? More bureaucracy and waiting than actual care?

At any rate, if I am ever visiting Brazil and get sick, I will be sure to preencher o formulário!

Reference

1. Study shows learning a second language thwarts onset of dementia. Iowa State University. Updated April 20, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://news.las.iastate.edu/2021/01/28/study-shows-learning-a-second-language-thwarts-onset-of-dementia/