Beyond Education: The Influence of Literacy Diversity on Brain Health

The pervasive impact of illiteracy on brain health and its potential to accelerate dementia-related symptoms is very well known. However, traditional conceptions of literacy have primarily been based on the parameters of formal education (usually years of education and the highest obtained degree). This narrow view may overlook a spectrum of potential protective factors that extend beyond the classroom boundaries. Bilingualism and multilingualism, for instance, offer cognitive reserves that can delay the onset of dementia. Social connectedness provides a rich, interactive environment that also stimulates brain health. Informal education and diverse life experiences may contribute to resilient cognitive profiles. Many societies might have developed millennia-old ways of knowledge transmission independent of the official schooling system. Most of these factors are often disregarded under the stigmatizing label of illiteracy. 

This Global Brain Health Institute webinar seeks to reevaluate these underrepresented factors, dismantle the stereotypes linked to illiteracy, and document the available evidence of a more diverse set of determinants. By assembling Atlantic Fellows and field experts from varied cultural backgrounds, we aim to systematically analyze these elements, fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue to build a position paper on the impact of literacy diversity on brain health. 

Coordinated by Thomas Bak, Brian Lawlor, and Agustín Ibáñez, this webinar will go beyond traditional literacy concepts, and explore the complexities of literacy in fostering brain resilience.

Audience

The intended primary audience is the Global Atlantic Fellow community, with current fellows, faculty, staff and mentors across sites also invited. 

Speakers

• Thomas Bak, Reader in Human Cognitive Neuroscience, The University of Edinburgh 
• Brian Lawlor, Site Director GBHI, Trinity College 
• Agustín Ibáñez, Director, Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Research Associate Professor, Trinity College, GBHI Faculty Member and Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, GBHI