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ORGANIZER:MAILTO:avner.algom@gmail.com
TITLE:AI and the Brain: Cognitive Decline and degeneration or healing and augmentation Superpower?
DTSTART:20250904T113000Z
DTEND:20250904T114500Z
SUMMARY:AI and the Brain: Cognitive Decline and degeneration or healing and augmentation Superpower?
DESCRIPTION:The devil is in the details.The rapid development of artificial intelligence presents a double challenge: on one hand, it offers unprecedented efficiency; on the other, it may reduce users’ cognitive engagement.In the first part of the lecture, I will review the work of Dr. Natalia Kasmyna from MIT, who examined how groups of students wrote essays with the help of AI, compared to using a search engine and without any assistance. The temptation to use immediate solutions, combined with a natural human tendency toward laziness and habit preservation, may lead to decreased brain activity and even damage neural connectivity. In the MIT study, students who used ChatGPT produced quick, focused, and impressive results. But brain activity measured by EEG told a different story: direct use of AI reduced brain activity, connectivity between critical regions, and the emotional connection to the written material.Recent findings indicate a link between unbalanced use of AI and a decline in neurocognitive measures. However, the challenge does not lie in the existence of the technology itself, but in how we integrate it into daily practices and learning-support systems. Thoughtful, challenging use can enhance intelligence, promote rehabilitation processes, and contribute to brain health. In the lecture, I will also review these opposite results, showing that integrating reward mechanisms, game-like elements, and strategies that encourage deep information processing may transform AI from a mere facilitator into a true generator of thought in education.In the final, main part of the talk, I will show how such use can contribute to healing the brain in cases of degeneration or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. It is possible to slow brain decline associated with aging - to slow it down in early stages, or even stop it in the future, by combining drug and digital interventions. Similar approaches can also improve longevity in healthy aging people.At Remepy, we developed a cognitive-emotional training app based on scientific and clinical research. The app uses AI to properly adjust the challenge level, with the goal of gently strengthening the brain and supporting neural connectivity. In our studies at Remepy, we showed that within just three weeks, it is possible to conduct personalized brain training that leads not only to improved connectivity but also to enhanced cognitive function, essentially rejuvenating the “brain age.” Additionally, we observed dramatic changes in immune system markers directly related to accelerated aging and dementia.We will demonstrate that if artificial intelligence is used correctly – it can contribute to brain health!Related articles and further reading: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01765-1 https://www.themarker.com/magazine/2025-08-12/ty-article-magazine/.premium/00000198-6f38-d12c-a9b8-7f39780e0000 
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