New research indicates that quitting smoking may significantly lower the risk of dementia, contributing to long-term brain health, according to a study involving over 32,000 adults.
New research suggests that quitting smoking may reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. A team of researchers from a university in China analyzed data from more than 32,000 adults over a 25-year period, discovering that former smokers had a lower risk of dementia compared to those who continued smoking. The findings were published in the journal Neurology.
During the study period, researchers documented 5,868 cases of dementia. Participants who quit smoking during the study exhibited a significantly lower risk of developing dementia than current smokers. Their risk levels were comparable to those who had quit smoking prior to the study and to individuals who had never smoked.
The researchers also found that the risk of dementia continued to decline the longer a person remained smoke-free, approaching the levels of never-smokers after approximately seven years. The benefits appeared to be most pronounced among individuals who gained little or no weight after quitting.
“Our findings suggest that quitting smoking may support long-term brain health, but they also highlight that what happens after quitting matters,” said lead researcher Hui Chen in a statement.
Zaid Fadul, a Harvard-trained physician and chief medical officer of Bespoke Concierge MD, who was not involved in the research, noted that the findings contribute to a growing body of evidence indicating that quitting smoking can help protect long-term brain health.
“The key takeaway is that the brain appears to benefit from smoking cessation at virtually any stage,” Fadul told Fox News Digital. “Smoking contributes to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to blood vessels that supply the brain, all of which are associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk.”
Fadul emphasized that the findings should motivate smokers who may feel it is too late for them to quit. “Importantly, it is rarely ‘too late’ to quit,” he said. “While earlier cessation offers the greatest benefit, the body and brain begin recovering soon after smoking stops.”
He added that improvements in circulation, reduced inflammation, and better cardiovascular health can help preserve cognitive function later in life. “Every year without tobacco is a step toward lowering future dementia risk and improving overall health,” Fadul stated.
While the findings are promising, the study does have limitations. Researchers identified an association between quitting smoking and a lower risk of dementia, but the study was not designed to prove that smoking cessation directly prevents the condition. Other health, lifestyle, and environmental factors may also have influenced the participants’ outcomes.
For more insights, Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for further comment. The study underscores the importance of smoking cessation not only for heart and lung health but also for maintaining cognitive function as individuals age, according to Fox News.