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Link between smoking and intellectual decline in elderly LONDON - WebPosted Wed Apr 19 18:41:18 2000 - If you picture yourself as a smoking senior, think again. That warning comes from British and Spanish researchers who say lighting up could impair intelligence in old age. Researchers looked at more than 650 elderly people in London over a one year period. They found those who smoked were 4 times more likely to show a drop in intelligence compared to non-smokers or those who quit smoking. Scientists monitored the smoking and drinking habits of participants 65 years or older. They also gave them standard intelligence tests. A year later, participants were re-tested. Researchers adjusted for other factors that could impair intelligence. These included depression, general health, education levels and alcohol use. The study found smokers had a higher risk of intellectual decline than people who didn't light up. The researchers say their findings are consistent with other studies that showed smoking played a role in the clogging and hardening of the arteries. They say it also damages the blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. Scientists point out the lower risk for non-smokers and ex-smokers shows that quitting can reduce mental decline in old age. Researchers didn't find a significant link between drinking and mental decline. The study's published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Copyright 2000 CBC All Rights Reserved http://cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi?/news/2000/04/19/seniorsmoke000419 janet paterson 53 now / 41 dx / 37 onset a new voice: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/ 613 256 8340 PO Box 171 Almonte Ontario Canada K0A 1A0