Dementia risk increases with number of cigarettes smoked per day
A scientific review of 2.8 million people shows smoking significantly raises dementia risk, which increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
The comprehensive study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, found that smokers face a 31% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-smokers. The risk escalates to 40% for Alzheimer's disease and reaches 52% for vascular dementia.
Dose-dependent risk
Researchers observed a clear correlation between cigarette consumption and dementia likelihood. Those smoking 10 cigarettes daily face a 16% increased risk, while the risk jumps to 34% for those smoking 20 cigarettes daily compared to never-smokers.
The findings show the need to pay attention to the impact of smoking on brain health, alongside its well-known risks to the heart and lungs and the likelihood of developing cancer.
Quitting reduces risk
The study offered encouraging news about smoking cessation. Former smokers do not face a higher dementia risk compared to those who never smoked, and their risk is lower than current smokers.
However, researchers noted the findings don't prove direct causation between smoking and dementia, though they add evidence suggesting quitting may help reduce risk. They called for tobacco control campaigns to include brain health warnings and recommended further studies on how quitting timing affects dementia risk.
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