Stopping smoking may help lower your risk of developing dementia, researchers have found. Dementia is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., with more than 450,000 deaths reported each year.
Study Details
American adults who quit smoking during a decade-long study of 32,800 participants had a 16 percent lower risk for the chronic condition than people who continued smoking. The benefit was even more pronounced for those who quit and did not gain weight after quitting. However, individuals who gained 22 or more pounds after quitting did not experience a reduced risk, while those who gained up to 11 pounds saw benefits.
“Our findings suggest that quitting smoking may support long-term brain health, but they also highlight that what happens after quitting matters,” said Hui Chen, a researcher at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China.
Research Methodology
The study, published in the journal Neurology, used data from the University of Michigan’s U.S. Health and Retirement Study. Participants were interviewed every two years about their smoking status, body weight, and health. Nearly 6,000 people developed dementia, which researchers assessed by checking memory and thinking abilities and consulting those around them.
The rate of smokers developing dementia was higher than that of those who quit during the study. People who had quit had risk levels similar to those who never smoked. However, the researchers stress that the study does not prove quitting smoking directly reduces dementia risk—it only shows an association. This may be partly because participants self-reported their smoking habits and weight.
“Future research is needed to better understand how weight management and other lifestyle factors can help people maximize the cognitive benefits of quitting smoking as they age,” added Chen.
Broader Context
The findings add to December research showing similar results in middle-aged adults and past studies that found quitting smoking can reduce the risk for lung disease, a risk factor for dementia. There is no cure for dementia, which robs people of their memories, personality, and ability to communicate. Dementia is a leading cause of death, resulting in more than 450,000 deaths annually. Cases are projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050 due to environmental impacts, lifestyle choices, and an aging population.
While the U.S. cigarette smoking rate is at an all-time low, more than 49 million American adults still use tobacco products. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
