According to new research, smoking has been found to categorically cause mental decline. Researchers at King’s College London have reported their findings that consistent smokers over the age of 50 saw a marked decline in their memory, mental reasoning and learning capacity.
8,000 people took part in the research study. The participants were tested at baseline and again after four and eight years. Each participant completed a survey assessing their general health, lifestyle and smoking habits. At each of the testing points the individual’s memory, reasoning ability and how well they were able to learn and store new information was assessed.
The results of the study were published in Age and Ageing magazine. The researchers found that individuals, who reported that they smoked over the term of the study, saw a dramatic and consistent decline in all three mental tests.
Additionally, it was reported that high blood pressure, being overweight and being at high risk of stroke was also linked to a poor memory.
Although cognitive decline is becoming increasingly common with the aging process, this study has highlighted a number of modifiable factors that could be increasing chances of cognitive decline and accelerating the deterioration.
This research could give adults over the age of 50 a new motivation to quit smoking and take control of their health and wellbeing.
