Smokers 'more likely to develop memory loss when middle-aged'

Smokers could be nearly twice as likely to face memory loss and confusion as a consequence of smoking, according to a study, Mustafa Qadri writes

Smoking is linked to memory loss in middle-aged people (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Middle-aged smokers are far more likely to experience memory loss and confusion compared to nonsmokers, a new study has found.

Researchers from Ohio State University also said that when smokers quit, the risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) - reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss - reduces in their 40s and 50s.

The study found the prevalence of SCD was 1.9 times higher in smokers compared to non-smokers.

Those who had quit smoking less than 10 years ago were 1.5 times more likely to be facing SCD and those who quit more than a decade before the survey had an SCD prevalence just slightly above the nonsmoking group.

Senior author of the study Jeffrey Wing said: “The association we saw was most significant in the 45-59 age group, suggesting that quitting at that stage of life may have a benefit for cognitive health.”

A similar difference was not found in the oldest group in the study, which could mean that quitting earlier can make a difference for smokers.

Scientists said their work builds on previous research finding links between smoking and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

They believe this enhances their evidence that quitting smoking is good for neurological health as well as respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The scientists used data from The National 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to analyse the relationship between SCD and smoking status, surveying participants aged 45 or older.

Of the 136,018 participants, 10 per cent self-reported cognitive decline.

They mainly consisted of current smokers, followed by recent former smokers and smokers who had quit years earlier, as compared to never-smokers.

The study's lead author, Jenna Rajczyk said the study involved a simple assessment tool that could be easily used routinely among people of younger ages before the cognitive decline is typically seen.

"It's not an intensive battery of questions. It's more a personal reflection of your cognitive status to determine if you're feeling like you're not as sharp as you once were," she said.

The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.