A low level of education refers to a low degree of formal schooling, where basic knowledge in important areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and general knowledge is insufficient or absent.
Low educational attainment is often defined as fewer than twelve years of education or based on the highest educational qualification obtained (no high school diploma or no completed vocational training).
Maccora, J., Peters, R., & Anstey, K. J. (2020). What does (low) education mean in terms of dementia risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting inconsistency in measuring and operationalising education. SSM-population health, 12, 100654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100654
This illustrative image was created with the support of DALL·E 2025.
Why is a low level of education a risk factor for dementia?
| Background: | With a low level of education, the ability to, to maintain cognitive performance, low and thereby the Dismantling of functional brain parts is bigger.. |
| Mechanisms: | low education is associated with a lower professional position and one lower income situation associated with (e.g., fewer options for choosing a place of residence). |
| This results in: | – a lesser health consciousness, – a rather unhealthy behavior, – lower cognitive stimulation and monotonous cognitive demands over a longer period at work – and poorer access to healthcare. |
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, Costafreda SG, Selbæk G, Alladi S, Ames D, Banerjee S, Burns A, Brayne C, Fox NC, Ferri CP, Gitlin LN, Howard R, Kales HC, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Nakasujja N, Rockwood K, Samus Q, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Schneider LS, Walsh S, Yao Y, Sommerlad A, Mukadam N. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0. Epub 2024 Jul 31. PMID: 39096926.
What can I do?
The educational qualification is usually achieved at an early age and is therefore no longer directly influenceable in later life.
Nevertheless, there are measures that can have a positive impact:
- Use cognitive training (e.g., brain games) to increase your cognitive reserve.
- Lifelong learning Actively participate in educational opportunities that are available to you. Look for workshops, lectures, or courses (e.g., at local adult education centers (VHS)) to expand your skills and knowledge.
- Creating everyday routines Try to incorporate cognitive stimulation into your daily routine regularly.
Gates, N. J., Rutjes, A. W., Di Nisio, M., Karim, S., Chong, L. Y., March, E., Martínez, G., & Vernooij, R. W. (2020). Computerized cognitive training for 12 or more weeks for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2(2), CD012277. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012277.pub3
2.) Morris-Foster JM. The Influence of Lifelong Learning on Life Satisfaction and Successful Aging in Older Adults: A Narrative Literature Review. J Gerontol Nurs. 2024 Aug;50(8):11-17. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20240702-02. Epub 2024 Aug 1. PMID: 39088052.
