Cognitive Reserve & ChatGPT is making us DUMB
- Dr. Thomas J. Lewis
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Here is the AI meeting summary from the presentation by me and Dr. Marvin Berman of the Quiet Mind Foundation.
Quick recap
The meeting focused on cognitive reserve and its importance in maintaining brain health, with Dr. Thomas and Marvin discussing various strategies to enhance cognitive function. They explored how activities such as reading, writing, math, and movement can build neural networks and enhance brain plasticity.
The conversation included insights from studies on London taxi drivers and the Japanese population, highlighting the benefits of mental stimulation and physical activity. They also discussed the dangers of digital brain rot and the importance of critical thinking.
The conversation concluded with a demonstration of the math game Krypto, which Dr. Thomas recommended as an engaging way to improve cognitive reserve. Participants were encouraged to contact Marvin for further information and support in enhancing their brain function.
Key Videos From the Presentation - and a Couple More...
The Presentation:
The "Brain-Changing" London Taxis.
How to Play Krypto - The Math Game.
Deep Dive Lecture: Mind Over Math: Cognitive Techniques for Retaining Mathematical Knowledge | 2025 Math Conference
HOW CHATGPT SLOWLY DESTROYS YOUR BRAIN. - (INTERESTING CHANNEL!)
Why learning is slowly getting harder.
If you don't enjoy learning, you are doing it wrong.
Next steps
Summary
Cognitive Reserve and Dementia Risk
Dr. Thomas and Marvin discussed the concept of cognitive reserve, emphasizing its importance in reducing the risk of dementia. Dr. Thomas highlighted that while genetics play a role, environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as education and critical thinking are more significant in building cognitive reserve. They also touched on the impact of aluminum and other heavy metals in dementia, with Dr. Thomas expressing skepticism about recent genetic studies. The discussion included a brief personal exchange about family and skiing before transitioning to the main topic.
Brain's Resilience and Plasticity
Dr. Thomas discussed cognitive reserve, explaining that it refers to the brain's ability to improvise and maintain function despite damage or disease, using alternate pathways for cognitive functions like reading. He emphasized that activities such as sleep are crucial for brain health and that the brain can regenerate, challenging the dogma that brain cells do not regenerate. Dr. Thomas also highlighted a study on London taxi drivers, which showed that their spatial memory skills led to a larger posterior hippocampus, indicating that the brain can physically reshape itself with new skills and challenges.
Neuroplasticity in London Taxi Drivers
The discussion focused on the concept of neuroplasticity, using the example of London taxi drivers whose brains physically reorganized to accommodate their extensive knowledge of the city. Dr. Thomas explained that while the overall size of the hippocampus remained constant, there was a redistribution of brain resources, with the posterior hippocampus growing larger while the anterior hippocampus shrank. The study, conducted in the early 2000s, demonstrated that the drivers' brains were reshaped by their job experience, providing evidence for neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to adapt. The conversation concluded with a discussion of factors that can either support or harm brain health, including diet, lifestyle, and technology use, with Dr. Marvin emphasizing the importance of micronutrients and fats for brain health and the need to avoid endocrine disruptors and digital brain rot.
Cognitive Offloading: A Brain Risk
Dr. Thomas discussed the dangers of cognitive offloading, where reliance on AI and digital tools reduces critical thinking skills, citing studies from MIT and other institutions. He emphasized the importance of problem-solving and cognitive reserve, particularly through continued employment and mental stimulation. Dr. Thomas also touched on the impact of retirement on cognitive decline, suggesting that maintaining intellectual activity can help preserve brain health.
Writing Enhances Critical Thinking
Dr. Thomas discussed the differences between reading, writing, and studying, emphasizing that writing requires more critical thinking than reading. He highlighted various activities that involve mathematical thinking, such as playing music, dancing, and even cooking. Dr. Thomas also shared an anecdote about a Japanese colleague who read scientific papers more deeply than others, stressing the importance of thorough reading in understanding complex material. He concluded by advocating for writing as a superior method for learning and retaining information, as it forces individuals to build context and structure their thoughts.
Enhancing Cognitive Reserve Through Writing
Dr. Thomas and Marvin discussed the importance of critical thinking and writing in cursive, which involves more neural activity than printing. They emphasized the benefits of writing and note-taking for retention of information, and Dr. Thomas shared tips for improving cognitive reserve through activities like reading, math, and physical exercise. The conversation also touched on Japanese practices for mental stimulation and physical activity, with Dr. Thomas mentioning that more details would be available in the PDF and notes.
Cognitive Health and Brain Enhancement
Dr. Thomas and Marvin discussed various strategies for cognitive health and memory enhancement, including dietary factors, digital tools, and mental training techniques. They highlighted the benefits of Sudoku and the math game Crypto for building cognitive reserve and improving brain function. Marvin emphasized the importance of movement in learning and memory, referencing the Steiner School model which delays computer use until early adolescence to focus on physical activities that enhance hemispheric integration.
EMDR Therapy and Brain Function
Dr. Thomas and Marvicn discussed the effectiveness of EMDR therapy, with Marvicn explaining that it addresses trauma by helping individuals reconnect with reality through eye movements. They also touched on the connection between eye movements and brain function, as well as the impact of spinal compression on cognition. Dr. Thomas recommended working with Marvicn at the Quiet Mind Foundation for further information on brain function and therapy methods.
Spinal Health and Cognitive Function
Marvin and Dr. Thomas discussed the impact of spinal compression and interference with cerebral spinal fluid flow on cognitive functioning, emphasizing the role of proper breathing and diaphragmatic function. They explored movement retraining through Feldenkrais methods and a research project with Jacqueline Boone to investigate how movement influences brain function and photobiomodulation. Dr. Thomas shared insights from a visual therapist, Richard Loudon, on mitigating the effects of prolonged computer use, including taking short breaks and performing eye exercises. Marvin mentioned his work with a developmental optometrist, Stephen Gallup, on convergence insufficiency and its relation to ADD or ADHD.
Vision Therapy and Stress Management
Dr. Thomas discussed convergence insufficiency, explaining its impact on vision and depth perception, and suggested solutions like blue blockers, regular breaks, and physical activity to mitigate its effects. He emphasized the importance of time management and suggested playing card games like Krypto as a stress-relief activity. Marvin shared his contact information for further inquiries, and the conversation ended with plans for future consultations and discussions.
Be Well...
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