Smokers could lose one third of their everyday memory, warn experts
By FIONA MACRAE SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
People who smoke could lose around one third of their everyday memory, researchers say.
A study by a team at Northumbria University has shown that smokers lose more of their memory when compared to non-smokers.
And the research also found that those who kicked the habit saw their ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as non-smokers.
Those who took part were asked to recall small details, such as music acts
listed to play at the students’ union and tasks completed at various points -
known as real world memory test.
Smokers performed badly, remembering just 59 per cent of tasks.
But those who had given up smoking remembered 74 per cent and those who had never smoked recalled 81 per cent of tasks.
Dr Tom Heffernan, who leads Northumbria University’s Collaboration for Drug and Alcohol Research Group, said the findings would be useful in anti-smoking campaigns.
He said: 'Given that there are up to 10million smokers in the UK and as many 45million in the United States, it’s important to understand the effects smoking has on everyday cognitive function - of which prospective memory is an excellent example.
'This is the first time that a study has set out to examine whether giving up
smoking has impact on memory.
'We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits for the body, but this study also shows how stopping smoking can have knock-on benefits for cognitive functions too.'
The research will now investigate the effects of of passive smoking on memory, while Dr Heffernan and Dr Terence O’Neill will look into the effects of 'third-hand smoking' - toxins left on curtains and furniture.
Last year Dr Heffernan led a study into the link between excessive drinking in teenagers and damage to memory.
The study found that binge drinkers do not think of themselves as having a poor memory - suggesting teenagers do not appreciate the damage that is being done.
