9 daily habits to preserve your ‘brain-mind’ into old age

Prof: We’ve already become too reliant on AI, and it’s ruining ‘real intelligence’

BOCA RATON, Fla. — In an age where people constantly reach for their smartphones to look up information, a leading Canadian academic is urging the public to exercise their brains instead. Professor Mohamed I. Elmasry, an expert in microchip design and artificial intelligence (AI), believes that 9 simple daily habits like taking afternoon naps and engaging in memory “workouts” can significantly reduce the risk of age-related dementia.

In his new book, “iMind: Artificial and Real Intelligence,” Elmasry argues that we’ve become too reliant on AI at the expense of our natural, or “real” intelligence (RI). He’s calling for a return to nurturing our human minds, which he compares to smartphones but describes as far more powerful and longer-lasting with proper care.

“Your brain-mind is the highest-value asset you have, or will ever have,” Elmasry writes in a media release. “Increase its potential and longevity by caring for it early in life, keeping it and your body healthy so it can continue to develop.”

The inspiration for Elmasry’s book came from personal experience. After losing his brother-in-law to Alzheimer’s and witnessing others close to him, including his mother, suffer from various forms of dementia, he felt compelled to share his insights on brain health.

While Elmasry acknowledges that smart devices are becoming increasingly advanced, he maintains that they pale in comparison to the human brain.

“The useful life expectancy for current smartphones is around 10 years, while a healthy brain-mind inside a healthy human body can live for 100 years or longer,” Elmasry explains.

One of the key issues Elmasry highlights is our growing dependence on technology for basic information recall. He shares an anecdote about his grandchildren needing to use a search engine to name Cuba’s capital despite having just spent a week in the country. This story serves as a stark reminder of how younger generations are increasingly relying on AI smartphone apps instead of exercising their own mental faculties.

“A healthy memory goes hand-in-hand with real intelligence,” Elmasry emphasizes. “Our memory simply can’t reach its full potential without RI.”

So, what can we do to keep our brains sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline? Elmasry offers several practical tips:

1. Take afternoon naps: These can help refresh our memories and other brain and body functions.
2. Play ‘brain games’: Engage in daily brain exercises to develop and test your memory.
3. Build ‘associative’ memory: This involves connecting new information to what you already know, essentially creating a mental ‘dictionary of meaning.’
4. Read books aloud: This engages multiple senses and helps reinforce memory.
5. Practice mindfulness: Turn daily encounters into fully-lived experiences instead of going on autopilot.
6. Incorporate rest: Dedicate one day a week to true relaxation.
7. Review your lifestyle: Start thinking about brain health as early as your 20s or 30s.
8. Adopt a healthy diet: Good nutrition is crucial for brain function.
9. Moderate alcohol consumption: Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can lower the risk of dementia.

Elmasry’s book goes beyond just offering tips for brain health. It delves into the history of microchip design, machine learning, and AI, explaining how these technologies work in smartphones and other devices. He also explores how human intelligence functions and how brain activity connects to our mind and memory.

Interestingly, Elmasry draws parallels between the human mind and smartphones, comparing our brain’s “hardware,” “software,” and “apps” to those of our digital devices. However, he stresses that the human brain far surpasses current AI in terms of speed, accuracy, storage capacity, and other functions.

The book also touches on broader societal issues related to brain health. Elmasry argues that healthy aging is as crucial as climate change but receives far less attention. He calls for policymakers to implement reforms that promote cognitive well-being, such as transforming bingo halls from sedentary entertainment venues into active learning centers.

While “iMind: Artificial and Real Intelligence” tackles complex topics, it aims to bridge the knowledge gap between real and artificial intelligence in an accessible way. By addressing current controversies surrounding AI and inspiring new avenues for research into neurodegenerative conditions and cancer, Elmasry hopes to spark a renewed focus on human cognitive potential.

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Elmasry’s message serves as a timely reminder of the incredible power of the human mind. By adopting simple habits and prioritizing our brain health, we can not only reduce the risk of cognitive decline but also tap into the full potential of our natural intelligence. So, the next time you’re tempted to Google something, why not challenge your brain instead? Your future self might thank you for it.