Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Is there current research studying AI's impact on cognitive decline?
A - Yes, there is current research indicating AI use may negatively impact cognitive abilities, with studies by MIT, Microsoft, and Carnegie Mellon University suggesting a link between over-reliance on tools like ChatGPT and weakened critical thinking and brain function due to "cognitive offloading". Researchers are exploring how this reliance might contribute to a decline in cognitive faculties, with preliminary findings suggesting potential negative effects, including reduced engagement and performance after using AI tools.
Key Research Findings
Weakened Critical Thinking: Studies have found a significant negative correlation between frequent AI usage and critical thinking skills.
Cognitive Offloading: Heavy reliance on AI tools can lead to cognitive offloading, where individuals engage less in deep, reflective thinking, preferring quick AI-generated solutions.
Cognitive Debt: Researchers, particularly from MIT, have observed that consistent use of AI for tasks like essay writing can lead to "cognitive debt," a state where the brain's ability to perform the task independently is reduced even after stopping AI use.
Diminished Brain Activity: Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain activity of users relying on generative AI during writing tasks can be significantly lower than those writing without AI assistance.
Reduced Cognitive Effort: Increased confidence in AI-generated output is associated with decreased cognitive effort and diminished analytical engagement.
Implications
Educational Strategies: There is a need for educational approaches that encourage critical engagement with AI technologies to mitigate potential negative impacts.
Long-Term Effects: The "cognitive debt" concept suggests that even short-term, heavy AI use could have lasting negative effects on cognitive performance and learning.
Policy & Ethics: The findings highlight the importance of understanding the cognitive costs of AI and their policy implications.
Further Research
Pre-existing Research: Researchers are conducting experiments, such as the one involving eye-tracking and fNIRS, to monitor brain responses and cognitive effort when using generative AI.
Nuanced Understanding: More extensive research is needed, as some findings are considered preliminary, to fully understand the complex relationship between AI and cognitive decline.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://fortune.com/2025/02/11/ai-impact-brain-critical-thinking-microsoft-study/
Q - What type of exercise is best for your brain?
A - The simple answer to this question is “Any exercise you will commit to doing.” Taking it a step deeper, most advisors recommend 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense/vigorous exercise each week. One of the best/simplest moderate exercises is walking. There's a reference in Aging with Grace (The Nun Study) to a nun who took a 2-mile walk each day. From what I've read, moderate exercise is better for women than intense exercise. That being said, you do need to get your heart rate up.
Then, add your strength training (weights or yoga), building your muscle mass and strength is also important.
Also, remember that variety is important. If you do the same thing every day, your body and brain don't get the same benefit.
Q - Are amyloid plaques that build up in the brain the same plaques that build up in the arteries?
A - Amyloid plaques in the brain and plaque buildup in the arteries are not the same, though they both involve the accumulation of substances that can disrupt normal function.
1. Amyloid plaques in the brain: These are primarily composed of beta-amyloid proteins that accumulate between neurons in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, for example, these plaques are thought to interfere with communication between brain cells and contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with the disease. These plaques are specifically a problem in the central nervous system.
2. Plaque in the arteries: The plaques that form in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, are composed of fatty substances (cholesterol), calcium, and other cellular debris. Over time, this plaque can narrow and harden the arteries, which can reduce blood flow and lead to conditions like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. These plaques form in the walls of blood vessels, not in the brain.
So, while both involve some kind of "plaque" formation, the substances involved, the location of buildup, and the health problems they cause are quite different. Amyloid plaques are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, while arterial plaques are linked to cardiovascular diseases.
From ChatGPT 10/20/25
Q - What’s the impact of Monjaro, (GLP1) on brain health? What about Alcohol, Cannabis, Second Hand Smoke, and Supplements?
A - WOW! That’s a loaded question! I’ll only scratch the surface of this one… Let’s break it down to each item, and I’ll share a relevant article.
GLP1 - The National Institute of Health found a positive correlation :-) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12075970/
Alcohol - There's soooo much about alcohol... and it's conflicting! You're on your own there. Google and AI can find you so many different answers. The best summary i can find is there’s no health benefit to alcohol. Drink in moderation, ONLY for pleasure.
Canibus - Here’s what Harvard Health has to say: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cognitive-effects-of-long-term-cannabis-use-in-midlife-202206142760
Secondhand Smoke - National Institute of Health (NIH) shares this study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4805605/
Supplements - The answer there is ‘it depends.’ Below is a summary from The ARPF.
