Smoking or Vaping

Smoking is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that current smokers are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to non-smokers. The harmful effects of smoking on brain health extend beyond just Alzheimer’s, impacting overall cognitive function, and mood, increasing the risk of dementia, as well as other disorders. For example as this above linked to report from the Alzheimer’s Assoc notes:

Active smokers also have:

- Double the risk of dying from a stroke.
- Seventy percent increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety.
- And are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop a lung or throat cancer.

The recent evidence mentioned above consisted of a study which evaluated the brains of 500 individuals in their 70s, has found that smokers have reduced brain sizes, specifically the cortex, the outer layer of the brain. The cortex is responsible for numerous mental tasks, ranging from visual processing to complex abstract thinking.

However, the good news is that quitting smoking can help reduce these risks. And following the recommendations on this site has been shown to help grow new brain cells!

If you smoke, consider taking steps to quit and safeguard your brain health.

1. Dementia Risk:
   • Current smokers are 30% more likely to develop dementia compared to non-smokers.
   • The risk is even higher for Alzheimer’s disease, with current smokers being 40% more likely to develop it 1.
   • The more a person smokes, the greater the risk. For every 20 cigarettes per day, the risk of dementia climbs by 34% 1.
2. Quitting Smoking:
   • The good news is that quitting smoking can help mitigate the risk.
   • Here is a video on 10 Steps you can take to facilitate quitting. 
   • One of the things that can provide the motivation to quit is read and consider the multiple adverse consequences, or costs, that feed our "Whys". 
   • It's critical that you have alternatives, and nutrients that can help to calm or "meet the needs" of your body. Here are some things to consider. 
     • Some of the same nutrients discussed in Step 4 to help reduce stress, such as L-tryptophan or 5-HTP, or L-theanine, taurine, Valerian root and magnesium can be of big help to your nerves, in withdrawing from cigarettes, as well as physical exercise, deep breathings, mental activity and sleep. Do try to go it alone "cold turkey" without at least one or more of the above. 
   • Life’s Simple 7, a set of lifestyle changes that improve heart and brain health, includes quitting smoking.
   • Studies show that the increased risk for brain harm decreases over time after quitting. After nine years, the risk may not be higher than that of individuals who never smoked 1.
   • Earlier cessation is better, but quitting at any time provides benefits 1.
3. Challenges:
   • Unfortunately, people are less likely to quit as they get older.
   • Older smokers face difficulties in quitting, and doctors may be less proactive in advising them to quit.
   • However, evidence-based cessation options, such as nicotine patches and medications, can significantly improve success rates 1.

In summary, smoking poses serious risks to brain health, but quitting can help reduce those risks. If you smoke, consider taking steps to quit and protect your brain’s well-being. 

Note:  Some of the same nutrients discussed in Step 4 to help reduce stress, such as L-tryptophan or 5-HTP, or L-theanine, taurine and magnesium may help in withdrawing from cigarettes, as well as physical exercise, deep breathings, mental activity and sleep. 

Vaping 

How about replacing cigarettes with vaping? That should be much healthier for the brain than smoking right? Not necessarily. 

Vaping, which involves using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e-cigarettes or vape pens, has been promoted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. However, recent research highlights several concerns related to brain health:

1. Nicotine Addiction: No matter the delivery method, nicotine is addictive. Studies suggest that quitting nicotine addiction can be even more challenging than quitting heroin. Teens who vape may already be addicted, and addressing their nicotine cravings can be overwhelming1.
2. Lung Inflammation: The flavors and stabilizers in e-cigarettes can cause unknown inflammation in delicate lung tissue. News reports have highlighted severe lung damage and even deaths associated with vaping. Adolescents need to recognize the real risks1.
   Of course as noted in step 2 the brain needs a lot of oxygen, and damaging one’s lungs makes that much harder to obtain.
3. Additives and Cannabis: Many teens are taking vaping further by adding cannabis, CBD oils, and other dangerous substances. Emergency departments struggle to treat patients in respiratory distress from vaping, especially when identifying inhaled substances is difficult1.
   
4. Duration of Exposure: Unlike smoking a standard cigarette (which takes 2 to 5 minutes), e-cigarettes can last up to 20 minutes, delivering more nicotine and damaging chemicals to the lungs1.
   
5. Many vaping solutions contain formaldehyde – used for embalming bodies. I guess one could say claim that vaping could get that process (of embalming) started. 

An A.I. inquiry noted that Researchers have found a link between formaldehyde exposure and an increased risk of developing brain diseases such as: ALS, and AD. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (risk increased by 78%)

1. Brain Development: Nicotine and aldehyde can negatively impact concentration, learning, memory, and brain development. A new report from the surgeon general highlights these risks. Additionally, nicotine use in young adults can lead to other illicit substance use12.
2. In summary, while vaping was initially thought to be harmless, evidence now suggests that it poses significant risks to brain health and overall well-being. If you or someone you know vapes, consider seeking professional guidance to address addiction and minimize potential harm12.
   

Learn more

1. mayoclinichealthsystem.org
2. onlinedegrees.unr.edu
3. neurosciencenews.com
4. nida.nih.gov
5. nebraskamed.com

See also the article associated with the last two references on What Vaping Does To The Brain. https://onlinedegrees.unr.edu/blog/what-does-vaping-do-to-your-brain/

See the above noted nutrients for smoking as a sample of nutrients that may help someone trying to withdraw from vaping.