Does smoking cause brain shrinkage — and can quitting prevent further loss?

Smoking has been associated with reduced brain volume and accelerated cognitive decline. In this episode, we examine what neuroimaging studies show and how smoking cessation may influence long-term brain health in European populations.

In this episode, we cover:

• What brain shrinkage means (loss of grey and white matter volume)

• How tobacco smoke affects blood vessels and oxygen delivery

• Links between smoking, dementia risk, and stroke

• Evidence suggesting reduced progression after smoking cessation

• The role of nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms

• When cognitive symptoms require formal neurological assessment

• Smoking cessation treatment options reviewed by doctors

• Situatio ...