Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Smoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review
Ruth Peters1, Ruth Poulter, James Warner
1Experimental Medicine and Toxicology Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK. r.peters@imperial.ac.uk
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.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Dementia l: Introduction
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...