Study Finds Quitting Smoking Reduces Dementia Risk by 16% for Older Adults
A recent study has revealed that quitting smoking can lower the risk of dementia by 16% among older adults. The research, conducted by Hui Chen and colleagues, analyzed health data from over 32,000 dementia-free retired adults in the U.S., around the age of 60. Participants reported their smoking status and body weight every two years over a 25-year period. The study found that those who quit smoking had a similar dementia risk to those who never smoked. However, the benefits were primarily observed in individuals who gained less than 5 kilograms after quitting. Those who gained more than 10 kilograms did not experience a significant reduction in dementia risk. The study highlights the importance of weight management post-smoking cessation to maximize cognitive health benefits.