Smoking cessation: Can the brain recover? - Mamma Sante

After quitting smoking, the brain gradually rebuilds itself and over the years regains memory, attention and concentration.

We already know that smoking damages the lungs and heart.Let's realize now: It also leaves through our brain.Perception, memory, attention... smokers see their cognitive abilities diminish over time.Therefore, is it possible to restore their cognitive abilities, above all, for how long?

With each cigarette we lose important skills, even years of life.In addition, nicotine, carbon monoxide and thousands of toxic substances can reach the brain.And these ingredients will change its structure and function.

The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) recalls that tobacco affects the blood circulation of the brain, reduces oxygenation of neurons and causes chronic inflammation that accelerates their aging.In the long term, we observe a decrease in gray matter and a thinning of the cerebral cortex, especially in areas related to memory and reasoning (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex).

A study of more than 500 adults, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, confirmed this observation: the longer a person smokes, the thinner their cerebral cortex becomes.But this loss can be reversed, at least partially, after stopping.

The Alzheimer's Foundation talks about an increased risk of cognitive impairment in smokers.Regular smokers are about 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than non-smokers.Tobacco affects blood vessels, neurons, and the brain's defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.

What happens when you stop smoking?

When you quit smoking, your body will immediately breathe better and your brain will improve. If you don't smoke for a few weeks, your blood will carry more oxygen, your blood pressure will stabilize, and circulation to your brain will improve significantly. This is only the first step, but it is very important.

The effect on memory and concentration will be patient.According to international research targeting the network of Génération Sans in 2024, ex-smokers will see their decline in the first years after the ban.A decrease in memory for 20%, and oral comprehension will help the speed of those who smoke.

In other words, the brain gradually restarts without nicotine.Unexpected dilemmas, long by addition by addition, find the rhythm of your nature.This plasticity of the brain just requires time, a little standing ... and fresh air.

Return to full potential: ten years, twenty years or more?

Heart, it's a thing of patience

How long will it take, concretely, to regainities of your "before"?

But be careful, this does not mean that the brain remains "damaged" for twenty years.Cognitive functions can be restored much earlier.In an analysis published in 2021 by Nature Communications, researchers showed that after about ten years of quitting, ex-smokers regained cognitive performance similar to that of non-smokers, especially in tests of memory and attention.However, these results varied by age at quitting, number of years of smoking, and general health.is

Therefore, a smoker at age 40 will not have the same cognitive prognoses as a smoker at age 65.The sooner you stop, the more complete the recovery will be.

Why don't all brains regenerate the same way?

The brain of an ex-sporker is not a new brain, but a natural brain.Its ability to produce itself depends on a combination of factors.

First, age.Brain damage decreases over the years but never goes away.Then the duration and intensity of smoking.Eating half a pack a day for 5 years does not have the same effect as eating 1 and a half packs a day for 30 years.

General health also plays a big role.High blood pressure, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle or an unbalanced diet can slow down the recovery process.On the contrary, regular physical activity, a diet rich in antioxidants and intellectual stimulation (reading, learning, social activities) promote nerve cell repair.

Finally, experts emphasize the importance of assisted weaning.Community-based behavioral therapies and nicotine replacement therapies not only address the problem of facilitating withdrawal, but also another enemy of the brain.

Quit smoking: A day without tobacco

Painful the red ones, but the absence of smoking can be the brain the brain is to revise.Of course, not finished or necessary.Some lecular or lesions can submit a final feeling.But in the width, at that time of the abstorenner to improve the circle, the oxogenuvation, and memory.

And it's never too late.Even after smoking for decades, quit slowly and regain quality of life.The brain was not wired under the past, but it knows how to start learning again.

Quitting smoking is also good for your mood!According to the BMJ, ex-smokers are less anxious and depressed than the first year.The brain gradually restores its dopamine and concentration returns to normal after a few months.