AI study shows no loss of basic cognition but risks skill decline

A literature review of 15 scientific papers published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences concludes that artificial intelligence does not impair fundamental cognitive abilities such as memory or attention, but it can hinder the acquisition and maintenance of specific learned skills. Lead author Trent Cash, a post‑doctoral researcher at the University of Waterloo, explains that practiced tasks – for example piloting an aircraft, performing calculations or reading – may suffer when reliance on large language models reduces active exercise.

The study cites an experiment with endoscopists where adenoma detection rates dropped from about 28.4 % to 22.4 % when access to an AI‑based detection tool was removed, suggesting skill decay. While AI can temporarily boost performance, prolonged dependence may make users less attentive to details they would normally notice. Nevertheless, the researchers find little evidence that AI weakens basic cognitive capacities, which remain resilient.

These findings highlight a potential trade‑off between AI assistance and long‑term skill retention.