People who continue smoking after age 65 seem to be more likely to suffer intellectual impairment, according to new research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Some previous studies, recently rebuffed, have suggested smoking may protect against the age-related diseases Alzheimer's and dementia.
Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry in London followed over 650 people over 65 in a community in North London, measuring smoking and drinking habits and intellectual powers. Excluding those who already exhibited impairment, the subjects were retested a year later, using a similar test that's used to screen for Alzheimer's and dementia.
Of the 417 retested, one in 16 had suffered significant intellectual decline. The study adjusted for other factors that can account for diminished brain function, such as depression, general health and alcohol use. Results showed smokers were four times as likely to show signs of mental decline than nonsmokers or former smokers.
Researchers speculated the link between smoking and impairment may be connected to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which is affected by smoking. This impairs blood supply to all parts of the body, including the brain, say the study's authors.
