Smoking cessation and the risk of cognitive decline in older men [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Osvaldo Almeida (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Gary Hulse ,  Prof Konrad Jamrozik ,  Prof Leon Flicker ,  Prof Nicola Lautenschlager

Brief description Dementia is one of the most relevant health issues at the turn of the millennium, and the identification of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) is essential for the successful introduction of effective preventative strategies. The results of recent studies indicate that smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the risk of AD and VD. These findings raise the possibility that cessation of smoking may reduce cognitive impairment in later life and the risk of both AD and VD. Through the Perth Elderly Cohort Study (PECS), which involves a community-representative sample of 12203 men aged 65-83 years, we have a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of smoking and smoking cessation on the cognitive abilities of a large sample of older men at risk for cognitive decline. Clearly, evidence from an experimental study that smoking cessation is followed by a reduction in risk of cognitive decline would greatly strengthen the argument that smoking is truly a cause of cognitive impairment.

Funding Amount $AUD 366,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant