Research article

Smoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review

Ruth Peters¹ , Ruth Poulter¹ , James Warner² , Nigel Beckett¹ , Lisa Burch¹ and Chris Bulpitt¹

¹Experimental Medicine and Toxicology Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith campus Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK

²St Charles Hospital Exmoor Street, London, W10 6DZ, UK

author email corresponding author email

BMC Geriatrics 2008, 8:36doi:10.1186/1471-2318-8-36

Published:	23 December 2008

Abstract

Background

Nicotine may aid reaction time, learning and memory, but smoking increases cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk factors have been linked to increased risk of dementia. A previous meta-analysis found that current smokers were at higher risk of subsequent dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and cognitive decline.

Methods

In order to update and examine this further a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using different search and inclusion criteria, database selection and more recent publications. Both reviews were restricted to those aged 65 and over.

Results

The review reported here found a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease with current smoking and a likely but not significantly increased risk of vascular dementia, dementia unspecified and cognitive decline. Neither review found clear relationships with former smoking.

Conclusion

Current smoking increases risk of Alzheimer's disease and may increase risk of other dementias. This reinforces need for smoking cessation, particularly aged 65 and over. Nicotine alone needs further investigation.