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We\u2019ve been told that many things increase our risk of dementia<\/a> \u2014 genetics, too much alcohol, not enough exercise, improper nutrition, high blood pressure, the risks go on and on.<\/p>\n Neuroscientist\u00a0Vivienne Ming<\/a> wants to add one more item to the list \u2014 artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n Scientists have already sounded the alarm that US dementia cases could nearly double by 2060<\/a>, thanks to our aging population and rising rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension.<\/p>\n Now, Ming is warning that AI could contribute to a \u201cdementia crisis\u201d as it weakens the brain systems responsible for curiosity, attention, high-order reasoning and executive function, among other duties.<\/p>\n \u201cMy own data shows that students using AI<\/a> in the most common way \u2014 asking it questions and accepting the answers \u2014 show more than a 40% reduction in the gamma-band brain activity that indicates active cognitive engagement,\u201d Ming, author of the new book, \u201cRobot-Proof: When Machines Have all the Answers, Build Better People,\u201d<\/a> told The Post.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir brains are measurably less active than when they work without AI.\u201d<\/p>\n Ming describes what an AI-powered dementia crisis could look like \u2014 and shares four early warning signs that suggest overreliance on AI.<\/p>\n