Smoking can double the risk of developing dementia

Smoking can double the risk of dementia, and campaigners are warning the number suffering from the condition will treble within a generation.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Ash Ireland warned that while diseases such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease are well documented, not many are aware of the direct links between tobacco and the raised incidence of dementia.

There are 48,000 people living with dementia in Ireland — a figure set to treble in a generation. It is predicted that, next year, 11 people a day will develop dementia in Ireland, with the Alzheimer Society estimating the average annual cost per sufferer is €40,500. By 2041, there will be 132,000 cases, according to projections.