Recently, studies have been published about the serious effects of cigarette smoking on brain health, shocking many people. The study was conducted at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the US, and the results were published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. The team analyzed the genes and health information of more than half a million adults to uncover the relationship between smoking and the age-related brain diseases Alzheimer’s and dementia.
How smoking affects brain capacity
The team analyzed brain images of more than 30,000 adults from the UK Biobank. The results showed that the more cigarettes smoked per day, the lower the brain capacity. Distinguished Professor Laura J. Beerwout emphasized that smoking not only has serious effects on the lungs and heart, but also on the brain. The decline in brain capacity is similar to aging, which has been pointed out as an important risk factor for dementia.
The importance of quitting smoking
The team found that quitting smoking can prevent further shrinkage of the brain, but cannot reverse brain damage that has already occurred. Studies have shown that even people who quit smoking years ago have brains that remain smaller than those of smokers. Therefore, quitting smoking is essential to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Various side effects of smoking
Nicotine, the main ingredient in cigarettes, can have positive effects, including increased alertness, stress relief, improved short-term memory and concentration, and muscle relaxation. However, it also comes with side effects such as vomiting, tremors, weight loss, and decreased hunger. Additionally, nicotine addiction can cause you to experience anxiety, poor concentration, and increased stress without a cigarette.
