On No Smoking Day in 2024, be aware of the increased risk of dementia caused by smoking

Are you a smoker? Take caution! There may be a greater chance of dementia in you. Understanding the link between smoking and dementia is made easier by reading this article.
Did you know that smoking causes dementia in addition to heart issues and lung cancer? That is correct, of course! Smokers have a higher chance of developing dementia in their later years. Let’s examine the connection between smoking and dementia with Zynova Shalby Hospital neurologist Dr. Priyanka Tater, a specialist in the field.

Understand the way that smoking promotes dementia.
Give smoking a second thought since it negatively affects brain function and raises the possibility of dementia in later life. According to research, smoking may cause toxic compounds to build up in the brain, which can impair cognitive function and hasten the onset of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. The detrimental effects of nicotine and other pollutants on brain function are thought to be the cause of this correlation between smoking and cognitive decline. It has been shown that nicotine, a major ingredient in cigarettes, interferes with neurotransmitter activity, causing memory loss and focus problems. Moreover, smoking affects oxygen delivery and blood flow, which hastens the aging process of the brain. Toxins in cigarette smoke may harm blood vessels, which lowers the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach brain cells. This may result in oxidative stress and inflammation, two conditions that are known to exacerbate dementia and cognitive loss. Giving up smoking is essential for maintaining brain function and lowering the risk of later acquiring crippling diseases like dementia.

Important advice for quitting smoking: Research indicates that smoking might hasten the onset of dementia symptoms in those who already have the disease. Cigarette smoke contains harmful compounds that may cause blood vessels in the brain to get damaged. This results in decreased oxygen and blood flow, both of which are essential for cognitive function.
Smokers should be aware of this serious danger and take action to stop in order to preserve the health of their brains and lower their risk of dementia in later life.
Reducing your cigarette use gradually is a more successful method of quitting smoking than giving up abruptly. By allowing your body and mind to adapt gradually, this approach makes the shift less stressful and simpler. To begin with, decide on a daily or weekly target and cut down on your cigarette use gradually until you achieve complete quitting.
Developing other coping mechanisms for triggers and cravings is another piece of advice. This may include learning mindfulness exercises, doing yoga or other physical activities, or taking up a new pastime as a means of diverting your attention from the temptation to smoke.
You may stop smoking and break the cycle of reliance by substituting better habits and enhancing your general well-being.