Research links smoking cessation to a reduced risk of dementia over a 25-year period

People who quit smoking may reduce their risk of developing dementia later in life, according to new research.

A team of researchers at a Chinese university analyzed data from more than 32,000 adults over a 25-year period and found that ex-smokers had a lower risk of dementia compared to people who continued to smoke.

The findings are published in the journal Neurology.

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During the study, researchers documented 5,868 cases of dementia.

Participants who quit smoking during the study had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia than current smokers. Their risk was similar to that of people who had quit smoking before the study began and those who had never smoked.

The researchers also found that the risk of dementia continues to decrease the longer a person stays smoke-free, approaching that of non-smokers after about seven years.

The benefits appeared to be strongest among people who gained little or no weight after quitting.

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“Our findings suggest that smoking cessation may support long-term brain health, but also highlight what happens after quitting,” lead researcher Hui Chen said in a statement.

The reduction in dementia risk was most pronounced among people who gained little or no weight after quitting smoking. (Stock)

Zaid Fadul, a Harvard-trained physician and chief medical officer of Bespoke Concierge MD who was not involved in the study, said the findings add to growing evidence that quitting smoking can help protect long-term mental health.

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“The key takeaway is that the brain seems to benefit from quitting smoking at almost any stage,” Fadul told Fox News Digital.

“Smoking causes chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain, all of which are associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk.”

Fadul said the findings should encourage smokers who may find it too late to quit.

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“The bottom line is, it's never 'too late' to stop,” he said.

“Although quitting earlier offers significant benefits, the body and mind begin to recover quickly after quitting smoking.”

Experts say it's probably never too late to quit smoking, as the body and brain begin to recover quickly after a person quits, although quitting earlier offers the greatest health benefits. (Stock)

Improved circulation, reduced inflammation and better heart health can help maintain cognitive function later in life, according to Fadul.

“Each year without tobacco is a step toward reducing the risk of future dementia and improving overall health,” he said.

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Although the findings are encouraging, the study has limitations.

Researchers have identified a link between smoking cessation and a lower risk of dementia, but the study was not designed to prove that quitting smoking directly prevents the condition.

Other health, lifestyle and environmental factors may have influenced the participants' results.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the researchers for further comment.