February 13, 2009

response to a study on second-hand smoke and cognitive impairment, as published in the BMJ

The study found an association between exposure to second-hand smoke and the risk of developing symptoms of cognitive impairment associated with dementia.

Sarah Day, Head of Public Health at the Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We’ve known for some time that smoking increases your risk of developing dementia. Now it seems that passive smoking could also have a harmful effect. One million people will develop dementia over the next ten years. It is important that smokers are supported to quit and the impact of second hand smoke is reduced.

“Whilst we don’t know what causes dementia there is increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing one of these devastating diseases. Giving up smoking; eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise are simple steps you can take in the fight against dementia.”