Definition
Definition
The harmful impact of smoking on the brain is undeniable, but reversible provided that tobacco consumption is stopped.
Generalities
It has long been known that smoking causes cancer (lungs, throat, language, lips, …) and cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arteritis, ...).
More recently, it has been discovered that smoking damages the brain.
It was by studying the effects of tobacco on the cardiovascular system that Anglo-Saxon researchers from King's College London found that smokers were less intellectually efficient than non-smokers : memory, intellectual reasoning, learning abilities, etc. The results of tests comparing smokers and non-smokers unequivocally demonstrate that smoking causes a decline in cognitive abilities.
Explanation
Smoking causes cardiovascular problems, therefore a poorer brain irrigation.
Consequence: the Cerebral cortex, that is to say the outer layer of the brain containing the gray cells, is thinned. Now it is this gray matter which receives information, analyzes it, and develops responses. Its reduction therefore leads to a decline in cognitive and intellectual performance.
Reversible destruction… in the long term
A Canadian study, which confirmed the link between the acceleration of cerebral cortex thinning and smoking, found, however, that those who quit smoking saw their cortex restore itself... after 20 years.
As for smokers who consume more than 1 pack per day for 30 years, it will take them more than 25 years after quitting smoking to regain brain capacity close to that of a non-smoker.
Read also:
Effects of tobacco on the body
Tobacco addiction: what are the causes?
3 misconceptions about smoking
Smoking and childhood leukemia
Photo credits:
Brain neurons synapse, anatomy body, head profile, disease – Naeblys – Shutterstock.com
Arteries of the brain – Vulgaris Médical