Study links smoking to accelerated mental decline

Smoking and high blood pressure over the age of 50 both lead to accelerated mental decline, research has shown.

Scientists analysed risk factor data for more than 8,000 older adults taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Tests of memory, planning, and overall mental ability were carried out after four and eight years. The study showed smoking consistently reduced all three performance measures after four years.