digiDEM Bayern

Smoking

Smoking is defined as the consumption of nicotine-containing tobacco plants in the form of cigarettes, cigarillos, or cigars. 

References

1.) World Health Organization (WHO). Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. ISBN 978-92-4-012355-7

2.) Rauchen [Glossar] (gbe-bund.de)

Why is smoking a risk factor for dementia? 
BackgroundIncreased Risk of Dementia: Smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of dementia.
Mechanisms:Smoking increases the risk of plaque buildup in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) and can therefore impair blood flow to the brain.
Quellen

1.) World Health Organization (WHO). Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. ISBN 978-92-4-012355-7

2.) Peters, R., Poulter, R., Warner, J., Beckett, N., Burch, L., & Bulpitt, C. (2008). Smoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review. BMC geriatrics, 8, 1-7. 10.1186/1471-2318-8-36

3.) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/risk-factors-for-dementia

What can I do?
  • Talk to your family doctor and/or pharmacist about different methods for quitting smoking..
  • Objective: Use a specific date or event as motivation, such as a New Year's resolution.
  • Seek psychosocial support. For example, ask your health insurance provider about (online) smoking cessation courses.
  • If you want to cut back on your tobacco use but not quit entirely, consider using nicotine replacement therapy ,such as nicotine patches or sprays—to help you. E-cigarettes are not a suitable alternative.
Quellen

1.) World Health Organization (WHO). Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. ISBN 978-92-4-012355-7

2.) https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/risk-factors-for-dementia

3.) S3-Leitline: (S3_Smoking_Tobacco_Dependence_Screening_Diagnostics_Treatment_2021-03.pdf) 

Test your knowledge:
1. What steps can help reduce the risk of dementia caused by smoking?

2. Which of the following statements about quitting smoking is correct?

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