Did you know that 7.7 million cases of Dementia are diagnosed every year? Frightening statistics. But there is a chance for us to take control and help prevent being one of those statistics. This article covers one area of how we can help ourselves. More to follow.
Recent research suggests that smoking may play a major role in Alzheimer’s disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report this year called Tobacco Use and Dementia which was a scientific review of tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and incidence rate of all types of dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease. The report found that smokers have a 45% higher chance of developing dementia than non smokers. Interesting figures.14% of all Alzheimer’s cases worldwide could possibly be attributed to smoking. So if there is a chance to stop getting this disease then I know I would try. How about you?
Smokers with dementia also die earlier than non – smokers with dementia.
Tobacco damages your blood vessels and brain cells
The same biological mechanisms that contribute to Coronary Artery Disease, Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke is also thought to cause dementia by smoking by promoting the following pathological processes:
1. Increasing total plasma homocysteine, which is a known risk factor for stroke, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, and other dementia
2. Accelerating atherosclerosis in your heart and brain, which deprives your brain cells of oxygen and important nutrients. Arterial stiffness is associated with the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque in your brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neural death, and inflammation that may directly or indirectly be related to brain changes seen in people with Alzheimer's
Good News?
For those who used to smoke but no longer smoke the risk is less predictable, which suggests that stopping smoking reduces your risk of developing dementia and lowering your overall mortality which is another good reason to stop.
This adds to the benefits of giving up smoking regardless of your age. Studies showed that women who stopped smoking before age 40 stopped almost 90% of total mortality caused by continued smoking. Even better news for women who quit by age 30 avoid 97% of increased mortality. Remember you are NEVER too late to stop and the earlier you do it the better!!
Another study found that smokers over age 65 who stopped smoking, could reduce their risk of dying from heart related problems to those of a non smoker within 8 years.
1. Increasing total plasma homocysteine, which is a known risk factor for stroke, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, and other dementia
2. Accelerating atherosclerosis in your heart and brain, which deprives your brain cells of oxygen and important nutrients. Arterial stiffness is associated with the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque in your brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neural death, and inflammation that may directly or indirectly be related to brain changes seen in people with Alzheimer's
Good News?
For those who used to smoke but no longer smoke the risk is less predictable, which suggests that stopping smoking reduces your risk of developing dementia and lowering your overall mortality which is another good reason to stop.
This adds to the benefits of giving up smoking regardless of your age. Studies showed that women who stopped smoking before age 40 stopped almost 90% of total mortality caused by continued smoking. Even better news for women who quit by age 30 avoid 97% of increased mortality. Remember you are NEVER too late to stop and the earlier you do it the better!!
Another study found that smokers over age 65 who stopped smoking, could reduce their risk of dying from heart related problems to those of a non smoker within 8 years.
Risks from Second-hand Smoke are Almost as High.
A link between second-hand smoke and dementia is very likely although studies are limited. According to WHO :
"The pathophysiological link between secondhand smoke exposure and dementia is not well understood. At this time, an indirect causal pathway is biologically plausible because of recognized associations between secondhand smoke exposure, increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and stroke.
The cardiovascular effects of secondhand smoke are nearly as great as for smoking, and operate through essentially the same biological mechanisms..." So if you do smoke and stand outside your home when smoking, you know that you are doing the right thing for all who live within.
All 6 studies suggested that exposure to second-hand smoke increases your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The risk depends on the frequency and duration of exposure.
Interestingly, even less is known about dementia risk and smokeless tobacco use. WHO scientists state:
"Smokeless tobacco contains over 2000 chemical compounds, including nicotine. It is biologically plausible that the use of smokeless tobacco could increase the risk of dementia through cardiovascular disease-related mechanisms, as use of snus [a type of Swedish smokeless tobacco sold in loose form or in paper sachets that users stuff under their upper lip] has an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease."
Second-hand smoke is also dangerous for your pets. Exposure to smoke, residual chemicals left by cigarettes and from toxins that cling to a smoker’s hands and clothes can cause lung damage and certain kinds of cancer in animals.
Cats are twice as likely to get Lymphoma from second-hand smoke according to research. Are you a pet lover?
"The pathophysiological link between secondhand smoke exposure and dementia is not well understood. At this time, an indirect causal pathway is biologically plausible because of recognized associations between secondhand smoke exposure, increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and stroke.
The cardiovascular effects of secondhand smoke are nearly as great as for smoking, and operate through essentially the same biological mechanisms..." So if you do smoke and stand outside your home when smoking, you know that you are doing the right thing for all who live within.
All 6 studies suggested that exposure to second-hand smoke increases your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The risk depends on the frequency and duration of exposure.
Interestingly, even less is known about dementia risk and smokeless tobacco use. WHO scientists state:
"Smokeless tobacco contains over 2000 chemical compounds, including nicotine. It is biologically plausible that the use of smokeless tobacco could increase the risk of dementia through cardiovascular disease-related mechanisms, as use of snus [a type of Swedish smokeless tobacco sold in loose form or in paper sachets that users stuff under their upper lip] has an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease."
Second-hand smoke is also dangerous for your pets. Exposure to smoke, residual chemicals left by cigarettes and from toxins that cling to a smoker’s hands and clothes can cause lung damage and certain kinds of cancer in animals.
Cats are twice as likely to get Lymphoma from second-hand smoke according to research. Are you a pet lover?
So would you like to stop smoking to feel fitter, healthier, age slower, less wrinkly, smell better, as well as preventing getting Alzheimer's Disease, Cancers and Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes)?
If so I can help make this change the easiest it can be before using hypnotherapy and other useful tools that will stop you smoking and even stop you ever wanting a cigarette again. Worth ago surely. Plus you will be so much wealthier after you quit. Win – Win surely? If so please get in touch as love to help you make this change.
You know it’s the right thing, don’t you?
Give your family a gift and be around for them for longer with a good quality of life also. Prevent being a burden, I know that’s my aim. Hopefully speak to you soon.
Start 2015 the right way!
If so I can help make this change the easiest it can be before using hypnotherapy and other useful tools that will stop you smoking and even stop you ever wanting a cigarette again. Worth ago surely. Plus you will be so much wealthier after you quit. Win – Win surely? If so please get in touch as love to help you make this change.
You know it’s the right thing, don’t you?
Give your family a gift and be around for them for longer with a good quality of life also. Prevent being a burden, I know that’s my aim. Hopefully speak to you soon.
Start 2015 the right way!
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