The news that smokers are more likely to develop dementia is not surprising.

It is curious, however, that nicotine seems to be neuro-protective for Parkinson's Disease: smokers are less likely to develop PD.



http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/02/healt ... risks.html

October 29, 2010
Risks: Smokers Found More Prone to Dementia
By Roni Caryn Rabin
New York Times

Middle-aged smokers are far more likely than nonsmokers to develop dementia later in life, and heavy smokers — those who go through more than two packs a day — are at more than double the risk, a new study reports.

Researchers analyzed the data of 23,123 health plan members who participated in a voluntary exam and health behavior survey from 1978 to 1985, when they were 50 to 60 years old.

Twenty-three years later, about one-quarter of the group, or 5,367, had dementia, including 1,136 with Alzheimer’s disease and 416 with vascular dementia.

After adjusting for other factors, the researchers concluded that pack-a-day smokers were 37 percent more likely than nonsmokers to develop dementia, and the risks went up sharply with increased smoking; 44 percent for one to two packs a day; and twice the risk for more than two packs.

Former smokers and those who smoked less than half a pack a day were no more likely to develop dementia than nonsmokers. The study was published online on Monday in Archives of Internal Medicine.

To its lead author, Dr. Rachel A. Whitmer, an epidemiologist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif., the study offered a silver lining: unlike age and family history, she said, “this is one risk factor for dementia that can be changed.”

My husband smoked until he was 63.

It's so amazing that as bad as tobacco is, and with its widespread use, with NO positive effects for anyone, it is still legal in this country. Just goes to show you what money and lobbying can accomplish.
OK, there's my political statement for the day.
Lynn

It's neuro-protective against Parkinson's Disease. Certainly that's a benefit to some.

Hard to believe there is any benefit to smoking, despite that research. Balance that with all its harmful effects to the smoker, victims of 2nd and 3rd hand smoke, and what do you have?......... Lynn