“Digital dementia” enters the group chat

I love knowing how many steps I’ve taken, how well I slept, and that I really need to stand up and stretch. I’m even inspired by folks who use ChatGPT to take the drudgery out of meal planning. But lately, AI has seemed less eager intern and more unhinged gym bro, giving unsolicited lectures about peptides.Case in point: The latest dystopian thing making the rounds — the Death Clock app, tallying how many weekends, sunsets, and full moons you allegedly have left. Add Equinox’s “Question Everything But Yourself” ad campaign with its three-breasted woman, plus a new health-focused version of ChatGPT, and it all starts to feel like wellness AI is getting weird.

Don’t get me wrong, AI has made meaningful advances in medicine, from earlier disease prediction to more personalized treatment plans. But in the current tech moment, using it without oversight can feel akin to deciding to DIY a cure for dysentery, Oregon Trail style… except you don’t have extra lives. 

As AI reshapes health care in 2026, here’s what I’m keeping in mind:

• Calling yourself a “coach” doesn’t necessarily make you one. Treatment planning, assessment, and form checks still require a trained, credentialed professional who’s been educated, supervised, and tested. 

• You may not need all the information. AI can now analyze bloodwork for thousands of potential conditions. Sounds great — until results show up without context and send you spiraling. If you’re using an AI health app, know what it can (and can’t) explain on its own.

• Read the fine print. Digital health coaches promise personalized guidance by analyzing your data, but that insight comes at a cost: access to your health information. Know where your data lives, who can access it, and how it may be used.

• Check your job’s AI health policy. Some companies, like Google, are tying health benefits to third-party, AI-driven tools. Not everyone’s thrilled… and pushback has followed. 

— Anna “AI Can Reinvent My Sad Desk Salad,” Davies, writer 

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Brains haven’t received this much attention since the infamous ‘80s “This is your brain” PSA. (Not familiar? Watch now. We’ll wait.) And if you do remember it, you’re probably experiencing some perimenopause brain fog and wondering if you need a $12 mushroom tea and a book of sudoku puzzles to ward off cognitive decline.

The difference: Back then, the fear was drugs. Now, it’s “digital dementia,” a buzzy, umbrella term for the effects of our always-on lives: endless TikTok scrolling, GPS for everything, and outsourcing half our thinking to ChatGPT.

Now, brands market “neuros” as the antidote, selling supplements, drinks, and spa treatments that promise to support brain health. The big question is how much these add-ons can actually shape the future of your brain… or even help you remember where the eff you left your keys.

What we actually know: Research is mixed.  Some suggests the mental overload of modern life may impair executive function skills like focus, memory, and decision-making. That said, other emerging insights say it’s more about how tech is used. For example: FaceTiming friends > aimlessly scrolling for hours. 

Also important: Brain health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Science is increasingly looking at the big picture, because cognitive decline is often tied to whole-body health. Conditions like stroke and some forms of dementia are closely linked to what’s happening in the heart and blood vessels years before symptoms show up.

And then there’s the gut ... Growing research suggests the gut-brain connection matters more than we once thought, with inflammation, metabolism, and digestion influencing how the brain functions and ages over time.

For Your Sanity:

• Sleep. Seriously. You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again because it matters. Poor sleep has been linked to faster brain aging, and chronic sleep issues are a known risk factor for cognitive decline. If sleep is a mess, fixing it isn’t “self-care”… it’s preventative care.

• Prioritize whole foods. There are plenty of “brain diets,” but they tend to agree on one thing: Opt for whole, minimally processed foods. Science links ultra-processed foods to poorer brain health. You don’t have to start adding sardines to every meal, just focus on more plants, fiber, and healthy fats overall. 

• Maintain friendships. Strong relationships are associated with better cognitive health, lower stress, and reduced dementia risk. 

• Know your family history. A history of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, or vascular disease doesn’t mean destiny, but it can shape prevention strategies. 

FEATURED EXPERT:

Mina Kim, DDS

A general and esthetics dentist in New York City and a Castle Connolly Top Dentist

A: This is a common patient complaint during the winter. Patients with gum recession or worn enamel may have exposed dentin, the second layer of the tooth. Dentin is softer than enamel, so when cold air hits the tooth, it travels to the nerve and can cause a sharp pain that usually resolves quickly.

In many cases, simple treatments, like using a night guard or toothpaste for sensitivity, can help. Be sure to see your dentist if the pain lasts more than a few seconds or becomes intolerable.

PS: This is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth, according to experts, plus 11 more they recommend.

Despite being a certified personal trainer who knows the benefits of high-intensity interval training, I never choose HIIT workouts at home. For me, it usually takes a group effort. I need a hype playlist loud enough to drown out my inner dialogue and at least a few people to lock eyes with between rounds, for moral support.

But I’ve been making an effort to diversify my solo workouts. And I finally found the motivation to add HIIT into the mix: Research suggests it can help buffer the effects of sleep debt by mitigating some of the damage poor sleep does to the brain and body. Lack of sleep can sap energy, increase insulin resistance, and slow metabolism — a perfect recipe for feeling sluggish.

I don’t need my Oura Ring to tell me what I already know: My circadian rhythm is still off after spending the last two weeks of 2025 traveling. (Why does jet lag hit so much harder after 40?) The good news is that short, regular HIIT sessions — just 10–15 minutes — may help offset the effects of low-quality sleep. For me, that looks like twice a week workouts. Here are three I’m adding into my rotation:

• A 10-minute full-body workout that blends strength and conditioning.

• A 15-minute, no-jump HIIT routine for high intensity without the impact.

• And I’m not a boot-camp person, but I do love a quick Barry’s core workout from time to time — emphasis on quick.

— Jordan “HIIT it and quit it” Galloway, editor

Pop quiz: How much do you know about the FDA’s new nutrition guidelines? 

A) It’s an upside down triangle

B) It’s being argued about online

C) It’s making packaged snack makers very nervous

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above. (Want to see how much more you know? Take this real quiz, too.)

Reactions have ranged from “finally!” to “wait, what?” Longtime food thinkers like journalist Michael Pollan say it leans too meat-heavy. Star economist and new mom oracle Emily Oster thinks it’s “not crazy,” (although she caveats that there’s some “weird” inclusions.) 

This isn’t the first time the FDA has revised nutrition guidelines. That said, many experts largely agree with the main idea (more whole foods), but worry the execution is tough for people who are time-strapped, food-insecure, or living in food deserts.

So… what actually changed? You can look at the full pyramid here, but some of the biggest alterations:

• Protein moves to the top. Meat, eggs, full-fat dairy, and plant proteins are now emphasized at every meal.

• Carbs move down. Refined grains and added sugars are pushed to the bottom.

• Healthy fats are prioritized. Olive oil, nuts, and full-fat dairy are recommended, including saturated fats. 

• Ultra-processed foods are frowned upon. Real food over packaged food is the headline.

And how does this affect me? Right now, not a lot. Eventually, changes will trickle into school lunch and food programs. But you’re likely to see more foods marketed as high-protein and “whole foods.” And if you’re a parent, the group chat will likely have feelings about the “no added sugar until 11” rec. 

The bottom line. If you’re trying to figure out how this plan fits into your life, your best bet is to book a session with a registered dietician. Many insurance plans cover them. (Here are eight recommended online dietician platforms to start.)

It’s what’s on the inside that counts — life advice that applies to workouts, too. Because whether you’re trying a new routine or leaning into an old favorite, there’s nothing like the feeling of being properly supported. Here, the best sports bras (which feel pretty comfy when you’re just hanging out on the couch, too).

Oiselle

Oiselle Hi Twenty Bra is the best sports bra for high-impact sports.

Nike

Nike Indy High-Support Padded Adjustable Sports Bra is the best sports bra for running.

Alo

Alo Airlift Intrigue Bra is the best sports bra for yoga and Pilates.

Aerie

Offline by Aerie Real Me Hold Up! Racerback Sports Bra is the best sports bra for daily wear.

Here’s the full list of the best sports bras, according to experts.