Cigarette Smoking & Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a condition that involves the degeneration of healthy brain tissue; it is the leading cause of dementia. Certain risk factors, including smoking, may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in some people.

Symptoms

• Alzheimer's disease results in symptoms like personality changes, difficulty thinking, memory loss and disorientation.

Cigarette Smoking

• People who smoke cigarettes heavily--a pack a day or more--in midlife are more likely to get Alzheimer's disease at a younger age than those who do not.

Alcohol Use

• Heavy drinkers also encounter earlier onset of the disease.

Other Risk Factors

• Heredity and low education levels may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Lifestyle choices can also affect your risk for Alzheimer's, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Lowering Risks

• To reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, practice good lifestyle choices: do not smoke, eat healthy foods and drink responsibly. The Alzheimer's Association also recommends keeping your mind active by playing games, reading, gardening, or doing other tasks that stimulate your mind.