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Researchers say smoking can affect heart health and brain health.
Does smoking increase the risk of memory problems later in life?
A new study conducted by researchers at the Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea suggests that this is the case.
Researchers followed more than 46,000 men aged 60 and over from 2006 to 2013.
They found that men who had never smoked and those who quit smoking were less likely than current smokers to develop dementia during the study.
Compared to current smokers, men who never smoked were 19% less likely to develop dementia in general. They were 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in particular.
Compared with men who were still smoking, those who quit smoking for four years or more were 14% less likely to develop dementia in general. They were 15% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in particular.
These findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that smoking affects brain health and memory later in life.
Heather Snyder, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer's Association, told Healthline that "the idea that smoking affects the health of your brain and increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
For example, a meta-analysis of 19 studies showed that people who had never smoked were less likely to develop dementia than those who were currently smoking.
Similarly, previous studies have also shown that quitting can reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline later in life.
"So, I think this just highlights this message," said Snyder, "that smoking has an impact on your brain's health in the long run."
Heart health related to brain health
In 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of men and 13% of women in the United States were smokers.
Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, lung diseases, heart disease and many other health problems.
Although more research is needed, the negative effects of smoking on the heart and blood vessels may explain the link between smoking and dementia.
"We see a link between heart health and brain health," said Snyder.
"Our hearts are responsible for pumping blood throughout our body," she continued, "and our brain probably uses about 20-25% of this blood, the nutrients in that blood, for its processes."
Smoking can constrict and damage the blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow to the brain. This can deprive the brain of essential nutrients and oxygen.
Smoking also increases the risk of blood clots in the brain, which can lead to strokes. This can lead to a type of dementia known as vascular dementia.
In addition, reactive compounds present in tobacco smoke cause oxidative stress, which can also damage brain tissue.
Change of healthy lifestyle
According to the Alzheimer's Association, avoiding tobacco smoke is one of the many things people can do to reduce their risk of developing dementia later on.
"If you do not smoke yet, for your brain health, it's probably not a good idea to start," said Snyder, "and if you smoke, stop this behavior is beneficial."
It's also important to get enough sleep, eat healthy, socialize with others, and stay physically and mentally active, Snyder suggested.
"Studies have shown that people who continue to learn new things – whether taking a course at a local college or taking canasta classes or ballroom dancing – are beneficial," she said.
"Being [physically] active also seems to be beneficial for brain health, "she continued. "Conversely, inactivity has been shown to increase the risk of cognitive decline later in life."
If you are currently smoking and want to get into the habit, consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss strategies.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce cravings for nicotine.
They may also recommend individual, group or telephone counseling to help you overcome the difficulties associated with quitting.
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