Why a neuroscientist worries outsourcing thinking to AI could weaken your brain's defenses against dementia (www.businessinsider.com)

Vivienne Ming, a theoretical neuroscientist and chief scientist at the Possibility Institute, recently cautioned that over-reliance on AI technologies, such as chatbots, may weaken cognitive resilience against dementia. While AI itself does not cause dementia, Ming emphasizes that outsourcing mental tasks could diminish the brain's ability to build a protective cognitive reserve, especially among younger users. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, concerns arise about its potential to contribute to the deskilling of cognitive functions, leading to long-term implications for brain health. Ming draws parallels between the effects of AI and the use of GPS systems, citing research that links excessive reliance on these technologies to diminished memory and cognitive engagement. For instance, studies indicate that individuals who utilize AI in tasks like writing may show weaker neural connectivity compared to those who engage more actively in the cognitive process. The crux of her argument revolves around the need for continual mental engagement to maintain cognitive health, with robust evidence linking stimulating activities to lower dementia risk. Despite the absence of definitive biomarker studies connecting AI usage to dementia, Ming stresses the urgency of investigating these trends before potential long-term patterns solidify.