Careblazer, most of us have heard that diet, exercise, and brain puzzles can protect our memory. But what if something brand new—something our parents and grandparents never had to think about—could affect our brain health? I’m talking about artificial intelligence, or AI.
Recent research suggests that how we use AI tools like ChatGPT, Alexa, or Microsoft Copilot may either strengthen or weaken our brain over time. And since age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, with one out of every two people developing dementia by age 85, protecting brain health has never been more important.
Let’s take a closer look at what the science says, how AI use could impact dementia risk, and how caregivers can use AI in ways that support—not replace—their thinking.
Why Dementia Prevention Matters Now
By the time symptoms of dementia appear, brain changes have often been happening silently for decades. That’s why what we do today makes a difference in how our brains function years down the road.
Lifelong learning is one of the strongest protective factors against dementia. When we challenge our brain by solving problems, learning new skills, or stretching our thinking, we build new neural connections. You can think of it like building extra roads in a city. If one road is blocked, your brain can still find another way to reach the destination.
The concern is this: if AI starts doing too much of our thinking for us, are we robbing our brain of these critical workouts?
What the Research Shows About AI and the Brain
Researchers at MIT studied the effects of using AI, Google, or no outside help on brain activity. They had participants write essays while hooked up to an EEG, a test that measures brain activity.
Here’s what they found:
No Help (using only their own brain): Highest brain activity and engagement.
Google Search: Moderate brain activity.
AI (ChatGPT): Lowest brain activity.
In other words, when people used AI, their brains were less active. They also had weaker memory of what they wrote and felt less ownership of their work.
It’s like exercise: if you always take the elevator instead of the stairs, your legs weaken. Similarly, outsourcing thinking to AI may weaken the brain’s “muscles” over time.
Why This Matters for Dementia Prevention
Every time we think deeply, solve problems, or stretch our minds, we are building brain resilience. These protective pathways are critical later in life, especially as some neurons are lost due to aging or dementia.
If we let AI do too much of the heavy lifting, we may miss out on creating these valuable backup pathways. And fewer pathways mean fewer detours when dementia-related brain changes occur.
So while AI can be helpful, using it without thought may increase future dementia risk by limiting brain activity and learning opportunities.
The Right Way to Use AI for Caregivers
This doesn’t mean caregivers should never use AI. It simply means we need to use it in smart ways that support brain health instead of replacing it.
Helpful ways caregivers can use AI:
Brain learning support: Use AI to explain a medical term, then summarize it back in your own words. This promotes learning rather than passive consumption.
Care activity brainstorming: Ask AI for activity ideas for your loved one, then adapt one yourself. The act of evaluating and adjusting keeps your brain engaged.
Daily convenience (neutral impact): Use AI for tasks like crockpot recipes, grocery lists, or schedules. This saves time without replacing deep thinking.
Ways to avoid relying too much on AI:
Don’t use AI for every decision. Instead, make space for your own problem-solving.
Avoid copy-and-paste learning. Instead, read, reflect, and reframe new information in your own words.
Stay mindful of balance: AI can be a tool, but not the driver of your thinking.
Practical Takeaway for Caregivers
The bottom line: AI is here to stay, but your brain health depends on how you use it. Outsourcing too much thinking can weaken cognitive resilience, but using AI as a tool for support—rather than a replacement—can actually strengthen your brain.
As caregivers, protecting your own brain health matters just as much as caring for your loved one’s. Keep learning, stay engaged, and let AI be a helper, not a substitute.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Careblazer, dementia prevention is not just about your loved one—it’s about you too. Your brain matters. The choices you make today, including how you use technology, shape your brain health for years to come.
I encourage you to stay curious, keep stretching your mind, and use tools like AI wisely. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your own well-being while caring for your loved one.
If you want more caregiver support, I share new science, strategies, and personal insights every week inside my free Dementia Dose newsletter. It’s where I send my best tips, answer real caregiver questions, and help you navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.
Sign up here today.
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