JAKARTA - The habit of smoking turns out to not only affect lung health, but also brain health. Recent research reveals that smoking can increase the risk of cognitive decline, such as dementia, even up to twice.
Dementia is a group of symptoms of cognitive decline, such as memory, thinking, and language due to brain cell damage that can interfere with daily activities.
Citing the Daily Mail, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, researchers from the University of Chicago found a direct connection between the lungs and the brain, called the "lung-brain axis".
Nicotine in cigarettes triggers special cells in the lungs to release small particles called exosomes. These particles then affect the way the brain regulates iron, which is important for maintaining the health of nerve cells.
"This study shows a clear link between the lungs and the brain that may explain why smoking is associated with cognitive decline," said researcher Kui Zhang.
Disturbances in iron balance can then damage nerve cells and trigger stress on the energy system in the brain. This condition contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, which can end up with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Previous research has also shown that heavy smoking habits in middle age are associated with increased dementia. This risk can even increase more than twofold in the long term.
Thus, it shows that the impact of smoking not only occurs in the near future, but also lasts for years later.
Not only that, researchers also emphasize that the lungs are not only respiratory organs, but also play an active role in sending signals that have an effect on brain health. This finding opens up a new understanding of how smoking habits can have a wide impact on the body.
"The lungs are not only the target of exposure to smoke, but also organs that actively affect brain health," said Prof. Joyce chen.
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