What makes us human? AI and dementia offer a clue

AI can simulate what we do, but humans cherish one another for who they are.

- Ng Kok Pin and Philip Yap

Rose, who shares a close relationship with her daughter Mary, has been living with dementia for eight years. At a clinic visit, Mary breaks down in tears while talking about her mum’s progressive deterioration in recent months. Rose fails to recognise her on occasions, and can barely string together words to form coherent responses.

“She is my best friend and agony aunt, I wish I could have her back”, Mary struggles to hold back her tears as she speaks. She regains her composure, whips out her phone and exclaims, “ChatGPT is my agony aunt now!”

Dementia has been described as a disease that takes the person away and leaves the body behind.

On the other hand, the congenial and obliging responses of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have led to people becoming so captivated that they risk becoming disengaged from reality. Indeed, the human-like intelligence of AI can blur the line between what is authentically human and what is artificial. When the phenomenal and growing ability of AI is juxtaposed with the relentless decline of a person with dementia, AI may appear more human.

And this is where we can get it wrong. A human is so much more than their intelligence and communication skills. Al’s glib words will never be enough to make it human. What it can do, however, is be the tool that enables better care for those living with dementia.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN

AI mimics the human intellect, and the rise of intellectualism has played a part in making us confuse even AI for humanness. The importance given to intellect, individuality and self-actualisation in today’s society has seen them being regarded as markers of our identity and dignity, at the expense of traditional sources of meaning and value that had their roots in culture, religion and the community.