It is already established that there is a link between smoking and the development of dementia, but now a recent study has gone as far as saying this link might be extended to non-smokers who have been exposed to high levels of second hand smoke.
The new study tested the saliva of almost 5,000 non-smokers, all over the age of 50, for a chemical called cotinine, a by-product of nicotine which can stay in the body for almost two days after inhaling second-hand smoke.
The volunteers were then asked to sit a series of tests designed to assess their level of recall and other skills.
The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, show that those with a high level of the chemical in their bodies were 44% more likely to develop early memory problems, which can be a warning sign for dementia, than those with low levels.
The study was not conclusive but the results were strong enough to suggest that further research should be carried out.
Sarah Day, Head of Public Health at The Alzheimer’s Society commented: “We’ve known for some time that smoking increases your risk of developing dementia. Now it seems that passive smoking could also have a harmful effect.
One million people will develop dementia over the next ten years. It is important that smokers are supported to quit and the impact of second hand smoke is reduced.Whilst we don't know what causes dementia there is increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing one of these devastating diseases. Giving up smoking; eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise are simple steps you can take in the fight against dementia.”
Dementia has been in the news a lot lately with the announcement of what the Department of Health are calling a ‘landmark strategy to transform dementia services’. This strategy is aiming to increase awareness of dementia and ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and is backed by funding of £150 million over the first two years.
Some of the initiatives recommended in the strategy are:
Dementia has been in the news a lot lately with the announcement of what the Department of Health are calling a ‘landmark strategy to transform dementia services’. This strategy is aiming to increase awareness of dementia and ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and is backed by funding of £150 million over the first two years.
Some of the initiatives recommended in the strategy are:
- memory services throughout the country staffed by specialists to provide early diagnosis and treatment;
- a senior member of staff to be identified in general hospitals and care homes who will be charged with providing leadership to improve the quality of care for people with dementia;
- the appointment of dementia advisers, who will act as a guide to help people with dementia and their families navigate the care and support system throughout their illness;
- better education and training for professionals;
- better evidence on research needs on the causes of and treatment for dementia;
- better information for people with dementia, their carers and families after diagnosis; and
- improved public awareness to help remove the stigma attached to dementia.
The Department of Health is hoping that the introduction of this strategy will help improve dementia services and put the NHS in a strong position to care for the number of people with dementia which is expected to double over the next thirty years.
What is dementia and how do I recognise it?
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the term ‘dementia’ is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Diagnosing dementia can be very difficult but some of the symptoms include lapses in memory, problems with finding the right words, mood changes and communication problems.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be demonstrating signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease the first person to consult is a GP. They will then decide whether that person needs to be referred to a specialist consultant.
Living with dementia, or caring for a loved one who has developed the illness can be extremely distressing. If you need help or support, or would like more information the Alzheimer’s Society is a very useful resource. You can visit their website, www.alzeimers.org.uk or call their helpline on 0845 300 0336. The helpline is usually open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
If you have been affected by dementia, or any other illness related to old age, and have a story you would like to share email us at mangarinternational@gmail.com
I personally find this study quite worrying, although hopefully the risks generally may be reduced now that public places have smoking bans. Of course, in the private home that is another matter.
ReplyDeleteMy mother suffered from Alzheimers'/dementia following a series of mini-strokes in her early 60's. She had been a relatively heavy smoker all her life. The effect of her illness on my father who was her primary carer was quite devastating. She died aged 73, but had ceased to be the person we knew and loved some years before that. The only good thing to come from her dementia was that she forgot to smoke!