Study Links Smoking Cessation to Lower Dementia Risk

Researchers at a Chinese university analyzed data from more than 32,000 adults over a 25‑year period, documenting 5,868 cases of dementia. The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that participants who quit smoking had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who continued smoking. Their risk approached that of never‑smokers after about seven years of abstinence, and the benefit was strongest among quitters who gained little or no weight. Lead author Hui Chen said the findings suggest quitting smoking supports long‑term brain health, while co‑author commentary highlighted that cessation reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage linked to cognitive decline. The researchers noted the association does not prove causation and that other lifestyle factors may also influence outcomes.