Scientists find that smoking causes brain shrinkage

A study by the University of Washington shows that smoking shrinks the brain and accelerates its aging. The process is irreversible even after quitting nicotine.

The study was conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Smoking cessation prevents further loss of brain tissue, but still, smoking cessation does not return the brain to its original size, SciTechDaily reports.

The study helps explain why smokers are at high risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Both brain size and smoking behavior are hereditary. About half of a person's smoking risk can be explained by their genes.

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The relationship between smoking and brain volume depended on the dose: the more packs a person smokes per day, the smaller his or her brain volume. The researchers identified a sequence of events: a genetic predisposition leads to smoking, which leads to a decrease in brain volume.

A decrease in brain volume corresponds to accelerated aging. Aging and smoking are risk factors for dementia.

Attention: This content is for informational purposes only and does not contain any medical advice. For medications, diagnoses, and other medical advice, please consult your doctor.

Earlier, we wrote about 5 things you shouldn't do in the morning to avoid harming your health.

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