Smoking increases later risk of dementia

Published: February, 2011

A large study provides one more reason to kick the habit.

Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia are the biological equivalents of slow-motion train wrecks. These degenerative brain disorders take years to develop. Some factors that predispose people to develop dementia — such as advanced age and genetic profile — cannot be changed. Scientists are therefore searching for modifiable risk factors that would help people reduce their risk of developing dementia.

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