Gen Z reports early cognitive decline. Here’s what to know about the brain rot epidemic—and what to do about it

“Challenges with memory and thinking have emerged as a leading health issue reported by U.S. adults,” associate professor of neurology Adam de Havenon of the Yale School of Medicine has reported.  A 2025 Yale Study, authored by de Havenon, found an alarming increase in self-reported cognitive disability, particularly among adults ages 18 to 34. The younger cohort rate nearly doubled over a decade—from 5.1% in 2013 to 9.7% in 2023—driving most of the overall increase.  By comparison, the ra...