Why a neuroscientist worries outsourcing thinking to AI could weaken your brain's defenses against dementia

Vivienne Ming, a theoretical neuroscientist and chief scientist at the Possibility Institute, has raised concerns regarding the potential effects of relying on artificial intelligence for cognitive tasks. Although AI itself does not cause dementia, Ming warns that chronic dependency on AI could weaken the brain's defenses against cognitive decline. "Your chatbot is not giving you Alzheimer's," Ming explained, emphasizing that the real danger lies in the gradual erosion of cognitive engagement. As individuals increasingly delegate their thinking to AI, particularly younger generations, they risk diminishing their cognitive reserve—the brain's ability to adapt and resist damage over time. Ming highlighted the importance of how AI is utilized rather than the frequency of its use. She cited a study from McGill University suggesting that individuals who frequently use GPS technology tend to have poorer spatial memory. Additionally, research from MIT's Media Lab revealed that participants who relied on a language model for essay writing exhibited weaker neural connectivity than those who used search engines or no tools at all. Both examples illustrate the concept of cognitive offloading, where individuals relinquish mental effort to external systems, thus underutilizing their own cognitive networks. The concern, according to Ming, is that such practices may reduce engagement of critical brain functions, particularly those linked to memory and decision-making. She pointed out that the hippocampus and prefrontal networks are vital for cognitive aging, stating, "GPT is the new GPS," a reference to OpenAI's ChatGPT, which she believes could impair cognitive skills if relied upon excessively. Research indicates a strong link between mentally stimulating activities and higher cognitive reserve, which is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Notably, a study conducted on older adults revealed that those with greater cognitive reserve had a 35% lower risk of developing dementia. Ming emphasized that the principle of lifelong mental engagement is well-supported by research. While no definitive studies have yet established a direct link between AI use and dementia pathology, Ming insists that the time to investigate these behaviors is now. She warns that by the time substantial data on dementia is available, a generation could already be entrenched in habits of reliance on AI for cognitive tasks.