Study links smoking cessation to lower dementia risk
Quitting smoking may be associated with a lower risk of dementia, particularly among people who avoid significant weight gain after stopping, according to a new study published in American Academy of Neurology’s journal Neurology.
The study followed more than 32,800 middle-aged and older adults without dementia for an average of 10 years to examine the relationship between smoking, weight changes and cognitive health. Participants were interviewed every two years about their smoking habits, body weight and overall health.
Researchers found that people who quit smoking had a 16% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who continued smoking, after adjusting for factors including age, physical activity and cardiovascular health. The benefits increased over time, with dementia risk approaching that of non-smokers around seven years after quitting.
The protective effect remained among participants who gained up to five kilograms after quitting, while those who gained 10 kilograms or more did not show a reduced dementia risk.
Researchers said the findings highlight the potential long-term brain health benefits of smoking cessation, while stressing that weight management and healthy lifestyle habits may help maximize cognitive benefits.
However, the study authors noted that the research only shows an association and does not prove that quitting smoking directly reduces dementia risk. They also cited limitations including participants self-reporting their smoking habits and weight changes.
