London: Smoking may significantly accelerate cognitive decline in older adults, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help slow this process. A major decade-long study led by University College London (UCL) has found that smokers experience up to 85% faster cognitive decline compared to non-smokers.
However, those who combine smoking with other positive habits like regular exercise, moderate drinking, and social engagement show brain aging rates similar to non-smokers.
The study, published in Nature Communications, followed over 32,000 adults aged 50 and older across 14 European countries for ten years. Participants began the study cognitively healthy and underwent memory and verbal fluency tests throughout the research. Scientists focused on four key lifestyle factors: smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and social connections.
The findings showed that smoking had the strongest link to faster cognitive decline, even when other factors like education, age, and existing health conditions were taken into account.
However, researchers also found that smokers who lived otherwise healthy lifestyles experienced a slower rate of mental decline, suggesting that combining positive behaviors may mitigate some damage caused by smoking.
Lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg of UCL noted that the study is observational and cannot prove cause and effect, but strongly indicates that smoking plays a central role in cognitive aging. “Our findings suggest that not smoking may be among the most important behaviors for maintaining brain function as we age,” she said. “Still, for people who can’t quit, staying physically and socially active and drinking in moderation may help protect the brain.”
This research underscores the value of targeting multiple lifestyle factors to support long-term brain health. Public health efforts should prioritize smoking cessation while also encouraging holistic well-being in older populations.
