In brief
The systematic review, released by Xinhua on Nov. 9, found current smokers are 31% more likely to develop dementia, 40% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and 52% more likely to develop vascular dementia. The researchers call for brain health to be highlighted in anti‑smoking campaigns and for quit‑smoking programs.
An Australian‑led systematic review of more than 2.8 million people found current smokers face a significantly higher risk of dementia, Xinhua reported on Nov. 9. The study examined the link between smoking and all‑cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
The findings showed that current smokers have a 31 percent higher risk of dementia overall, with a 40 percent higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a 52 percent higher risk of vascular dementia than people who have never smoked.
Risk rose with cigarette consumption: those smoking 10 a day had a 16 percent higher risk of dementia, while those smoking 20 a day had a 34 percent higher risk compared with never‑smokers.
Former smokers did not show a higher risk than never‑smokers, suggesting that quitting may help reduce dementia risk.
The researchers, published in eClinicalMedicine, urged that brain health be included in anti‑smoking campaigns, cigarette packet warnings and quit‑smoking programmes.
A press release from Curtin University, the study’s lead institution, echoes these findings though its current web page appears to be unavailable.
