Researchers find no link between smoking and dementia
| Mar 29, 2019, 14:32 IST
Smoking may have links to serious health issues like heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but it does not increase the risk of dementia, according to a new study.
This is in total contradiction with previous research that claims smoking be a contributing factor of dementia. "The underlying data (in those studies) was solid, but the analysis didn't take into account the idea of competing risk of mortality, which we felt was an important factor to consider in this case since smoking is so strongly associated with earlier death," Erin Abner from University of Kentucky, who was part of the study, told a news portal.
531 initially cognitively-normal people were part of the study. To find out if there is a link between the two, the team used competing risk analysis, a statistical method. While the results showed that smoking does have an association with premature death, the researchers found no link to dementia. The study's findings were originally published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Over the years, many studies have shed light on what could lead to dementia. One study found that feeling lonely could increase the risk of dementia. According to the study, loneliness can increase the risk by 40 per cent. Researchers believe social isolation could trigger inflammation in the brain or cause one to adapt to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Another study found air pollution could also significantly raise the risk of developing the condition. "Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to poorer cognitive development in young children," the study noted. Researchers of the study further explained, "the public health gains would be significant if it emerged that curbing exposure might delay progression of dementia."
However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition. The tips are simple. Researchers have found social engagement, good relationships and physical activity can have great benefits, as well as improve the quality of your life. "While many investigations focus on prevention and better treatments, it's equally vital that we understand how we can optimise quality of life for the 50 million people worldwide who have dementia," said professor Linda Clare told a news portal. Adding, "We now need to develop ways to put these findings into action to make a difference to people's lives by supporting relationships, social engagement and everyday functioning, addressing poor physical and mental health, and ensuring high-quality care," Clare added.
This is in total contradiction with previous research that claims smoking be a contributing factor of dementia. "The underlying data (in those studies) was solid, but the analysis didn't take into account the idea of competing risk of mortality, which we felt was an important factor to consider in this case since smoking is so strongly associated with earlier death," Erin Abner from University of Kentucky, who was part of the study, told a news portal.
531 initially cognitively-normal people were part of the study. To find out if there is a link between the two, the team used competing risk analysis, a statistical method. While the results showed that smoking does have an association with premature death, the researchers found no link to dementia. The study's findings were originally published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Over the years, many studies have shed light on what could lead to dementia. One study found that feeling lonely could increase the risk of dementia. According to the study, loneliness can increase the risk by 40 per cent. Researchers believe social isolation could trigger inflammation in the brain or cause one to adapt to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Another study found air pollution could also significantly raise the risk of developing the condition. "Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to poorer cognitive development in young children," the study noted. Researchers of the study further explained, "the public health gains would be significant if it emerged that curbing exposure might delay progression of dementia."
However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition. The tips are simple. Researchers have found social engagement, good relationships and physical activity can have great benefits, as well as improve the quality of your life. "While many investigations focus on prevention and better treatments, it's equally vital that we understand how we can optimise quality of life for the 50 million people worldwide who have dementia," said professor Linda Clare told a news portal. Adding, "We now need to develop ways to put these findings into action to make a difference to people's lives by supporting relationships, social engagement and everyday functioning, addressing poor physical and mental health, and ensuring high-quality care," Clare added.