Cigarette smoking causes brain atrophy with age

A new study has found that smoking cigarettes can lead to brain atrophy as one ages. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh, analysed brain scans of over 500 people aged 73 years old. The results showed that those who smoked had more brain atrophy than non-smokers.

Brain atrophy refers to the loss of brain cells and tissue over time, which can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. The study found that smoking was associated with a faster rate of brain atrophy, even after taking into account other factors such as age, sex, and alcohol consumption.

The researchers suggest that the harmful effects of smoking on the brain may be due to the decreased oxygen supply to the brain caused by smoking. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the brain cells, resulting in brain atrophy.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Simon Cox, said, “Our study provides further evidence that smoking harms the brain. We found that smokers had more brain atrophy than non-smokers, and this was associated with a faster decline in cognitive function. It’s never too late to quit smoking, and our study suggests that stopping smoking may help to slow down the rate of brain atrophy.”

The study adds to the growing body of evidence on the harmful effects of smoking on health. Smoking is known to increase the risk of a range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Re-reported from the story originally published in  7 ENews