Not smoking, having blood pressure within a normal range, and not having type 2 diabetes are linked to avoiding an average of 13 years of life with dementia, according to a new study highlighted by health bosses in the North East.
The study, published in the medical journal Neurology, found these three factors are associated with delaying the onset of the debilitating illness for many years.
Expert comment on smoking and dementia risk
Dr Charlotte Deasy, consultant at the Newcastle Memory Assessment and Management Service, run by the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, said: "I don’t think many people are aware that smoking can increase the risk of dementia, but people certainly do worry about what it might be like to lose their memory, to need more support and to have to rely on other people."
"When people smoke, the poisons in tobacco smoke circulate around the body, and these damage blood vessels and harm our brain over time. Smoking causes inflammation and stress to the cells within the brain, which can kill off brain cells, and that increases the chance of dementia."
"It is really important that we raise awareness of the things that can reduce our risk of dementia. Quitting smoking at any age is going to help your overall health and it’s going to help reduce the risk of dementia."
Fresh campaign backs awareness push
The push to raise awareness of the link between smoking and dementia is backed by the North East campaign group Fresh. Its director, Ailsa Rutter, said: "Most people know smoking causes cancer and heart disease, but fewer realise it can also increase the risk of dementia."
"This latest study is an important reminder that looking after your brain starts much earlier than many people think. Smoking is an addiction – but quitting becomes more important from our forties onwards. Quitting is also about our short-term mental health – the benefits start almost immediately, and you can also feel calmer and happier within weeks."
Fresh has highlighted how there are "more free and effective" ways to ditch smoking than ever before, including the free Smoke Free app which provides 24/7 support.
Alzheimer's Society on smoking risks
The Alzheimer's Society has also highlighted how smoking raises the risk of dementia, as it increases the chances of heart problems, blood vessel blockages, and issues such as strokes or brain bleeds.
Poisonous chemicals in cigarette smoke can also inflame brain cells and even kill them off. The latest research shows how 14% of dementia cases could be caused by smoking worldwide.
