Smoking Linked to Accelerated Cognitive Decline in Older Adults, UCL Study Finds

A recent study from University College London (UCL) has identified smoking as a significant factor accelerating cognitive decline among older adults. Analyzing survey data from 32,000 participants aged 50 and over across 14 European countries over a decade, researchers found that cognitive decline was up to 85% faster in smokers compared to non-smokers.

The study assessed cognitive function through memory and verbal fluency tests, categorizing participants based on smoking status and other health-related behaviors, including physical activity, alcohol consumption, and social interactions. Interestingly, smokers who maintained a healthy lifestyle in other areas, such as regular exercise and moderate alcohol intake, showed cognitive decline rates similar to non-smokers.

Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg emphasized the importance of non-smoking for preserving cognitive function, suggesting that engaging in healthy behaviors can mitigate some adverse effects of smoking. The findings highlight the need for awareness regarding lifestyle choices and their impact on cognitive health as we age.

The study is published in Nature Communications.