Giving up smoking linked to 16% lower dementia risk

Quitting smoking cigarettes can reduce the risk of many health conditions, including cancer , heart disease, and stroke. A new study suggests that smoking cessation may also support long-term brain health.

The study followed more than 32,000 adults in the United States for up to 25 years to examine the connection between smoking habits, post-cessation weight changes , and cognitive health. The researchers found an association between smoking cessation and a lower risk of developing dementia.

They also found that these people experienced slower rates of cognitive decline compared with people who continued smoking. Smoking rates in the U.S.

have steadily declined over the past several decades as more research on the health issues it can contribute to, such as heart disease and lung cancer , has come out. According to the American Lung Association, smoking rates dropped below 10% in 2024.

Researchers are interested in how smoking can affect brain health. For example, a recent study suggests that smoking may contribute to cognitive decline through oxidative stress .