Smoking and brain health

Smoking increases the risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. The good news is that quitting smoking at any age reduces the risk of dementia, even if you’ve smoked for many years.

By stopping smoking with our support, you can help protect your memory, your independence and your future.

Why brain health matters

Dementia affects how we think, remember, plan and communicate. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Attitudes Monitor, half of UK adults agree with the statement ‘Dementia is the health condition I fear developing most in the future.’

Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. In fact, research suggests nearly half (45%) of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. Smoking is one of the biggest ones to tackle.

NHS Every Mind Matters says that looking after your brain helps your overall wellbeing, keeps your thinking clear and improves your quality of life in the long run.

Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to support a healthier brain. We can help you succeed in a way that works for you.

How smoking affects the brain

Smoking harms the brain in several ways:

• Damages blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain
• Increases inflammation, which accelerates brain ageing
• Raises the risk of stroke, a major cause of vascular dementia
• Speeds up cognitive decline, affecting memory and concentration

Is it too late to quit?

Over time, these changes increase the risk of dementia. But the brain is resilient. When you stop smoking, blood flow improves, inflammation reduces and your dementia risk begins to fall.