A recent study led by UCL researchers found that smoking is the most important lifestyle factor influencing the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The study involved 32,000 adults over 50 from 14 European countries and evaluated their cognitive function in relation to smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and social contact. The results showed that smokers experienced cognitive decline up to 85% faster than non-smokers over 10 years. However, smokers who engaged in other healthy habits such as exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and socializing had a rate of cognitive decline similar to non-smokers. The researchers recommend that individuals who smoke should also adopt other healthy behaviors to help offset the negative cognitive effects.
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