Could AI Increase Dementia Risk?

Various factors are already known to heighten the risk of dementia—such as genetics, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and high blood pressure. But, surprisingly, the list might be expanding.

Neuroscientist Vivian Min has recently expressed concerns that artificial intelligence could contribute to a looming “dementia crisis.” She notes that it might undermine brain functions related to curiosity, attention, reasoning, and executive functions.

Scientists are projecting that, by 2060, the number of people affected by dementia in the U.S. could nearly double. This surge is largely attributed to an aging population and rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Min believes that the pervasive use of AI tools could exacerbate the issue.

According to her research, students who frequently utilize AI to find information show over 40% less brain activity in the gamma band, which reflects cognitive engagement. “Their brains are clearly less active when they rely on AI than when they engage in independent thinking,” she pointed out.

Impact of AI on Cognitive Function

A survey from last year revealed that 56% of adults in the U.S. are using AI tools, with 28% applying them at least weekly. While seeking quick answers is tempting, Min warns that cognitive changes may not be immediately noticeable; they accumulate over time.

“When answers are just a tap away, we lose the habit of questioning,” she noted. “Without challenges, our brains become less responsive to wonder and exploration.”

Moreover, metacognition—the awareness of one’s own thought processes—can be diminished. Min describes this as the ability to evaluate understanding in light of real-world feedback. When AI performs tasks for us, it creates a false sense of understanding, rather than facilitating genuine skill development.

She advocates for what she calls “productive friction”—challenges that may be inconvenient but ultimately lead to personal growth.

The Impending Crisis

Many technologies have transformed our cognitive landscape over the years, with calculators and smartphones among them. However, these have never been blamed for a potential dementia crisis. AI, in particular, poses more significant risks, says Min. She compares habitual GPS use, which has been shown to impair spatial reasoning, to our increasing reliance on AI. GPS primarily offloads one cognitive function, while AI can replace a wide array of mental tasks.

As Min explains, this substitution can become self-reinforcing. When users encounter an AI that performs better, they may stop practicing those skills, becoming increasingly dependent on the technology.

Experts have long suggested that older adults engage in cognitive exercises and reading to bolster mental acuity. If an AI-driven dementia crisis does unfold, it could manifest as a decline in cognitive reserve—the brain’s capacity to withstand age-related changes.

While Min acknowledges that the long-term impact of AI is still being evaluated, she emphasizes that there’s enough evidence to take these concerns seriously. “Anyone demanding further proof is holding AI to a standard they don’t apply to other technologies.”

Can Our Brains Adapt?

As we embrace AI, it’s crucial not to forgo cognitive reserve. Min proposes leveraging AI as an “adversarial collaborator” that challenges user input and promotes critical thinking.

Simply using AI as a convenient answering tool—what many people do today—won’t yield the benefits she advocates.

Identifying Over-Reliance on AI

• If you find it difficult to start a document without preliminary AI assistance.
• You can grasp complex arguments at first read but struggle to recall them later.
• You need frequent summaries to continue long reading sessions.
• You feel confident in skills that can’t be substantively tested.

Min notes, “These signs indicate that your monitoring loop may no longer be functioning properly.”