According to a recent study from The Ohio State University, middle-aged smokers are more likely to report memory loss and confusion than non-smokers, and the likelihood of cognitive decline is lower for those who have quit, even recently.
Researches Suggest, “Smoking May Speed Up Memory Loss and Confusion in Mid-Life”
This is the first study to examine the relationship between smoking and cognitive decline using a self-assessment asking people if they have experienced worsening or more frequent memory loss and/or confusion.
The findings build on previous research that established relationships between smoking and Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia and suggest that quitting smoking could have a benefit for cognitive health, particularly in the 45-59 age group.
Data for the study came from the national 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which allowed the research team to compare subjective cognitive decline (SCD) measures for current smokers, recent former smokers, and those who had quit years earlier.
The analysis included 136,018 people 45 and older, and about 11% reported SCD. The prevalence of SCD among smokers in the study was almost 1.9 times that of non-smokers. The prevalence among those who had quit less than 10 years ago was 1.5 times that of non-smokers.
Those who quit more than a decade before the survey had an SCD prevalence just slightly above the non-smoking group.
These findings suggest that the time since smoking cessation may be linked to cognitive outcomes.
Previous Research Data by American Heart Association’s journal
Earlier also, studies show that smoking may increase the risk of experiencing memory loss and confusion in middle age.
The study, which was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, analyzed data from over 6,000 individuals between the ages of 45 and 84. Researchers found that smokers were more likely to report having difficulty with memory and confusion compared to non-smokers.
This is not the first study to link smoking with cognitive decline. Previous research has also shown that smoking can increase the risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of quitting smoking in order to maintain cognitive health as we age. If you are a smoker, consider seeking support and resources to help you quit and reduce your risk of developing memory loss and confusion in middle age.
Conclusion
These findings build upon previous research that established relationships between smoking and Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia and suggest that quitting smoking could have a benefit for cognitive health, particularly in the 45-59 age group.
The time since smoking cessation may also be linked to cognitive outcomes. It is important for individuals to consider the potential impact of smoking on cognitive health and to seek resources and support to quit smoking in order to maintain neurological health.
