New report claims heavy smoking in mid-life increases the risk of dementia in later life

The Finnish study looked at how the smoking habits of 21,123 people in California between 1978 and 1985 affected their risk of dementia around 23 years later. A total of 1136 people were diagnosed with Alzheimer's and 416 with vascular dementia.

Scientists found that after adjusting results for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, diabetes and alcohol use, people who smoked more than two packets of cigarettes a day had a more than 100 per cent increased risk of dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'We have known for some time that heavy smoking can increase your risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This very large study adds considerable weight to the existing evidence and shows once more why people should think about stubbing out their cigarettes at an early age to avoid major health repercussions in later life.

'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia but there are a number of things people can do to reduce their risk. As well as not smoking, people should take regular exercise, eat healthily and get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked.'

Ruth Sutherland
Interim Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society