In this section  Risk factors: Introduction  Diet and lifestyle  Social interaction  Stress and emotional wellness  Mental agility and capacity  Smoking, toxins, and alcohol consumption  Head Trauma  Print the Healthy Brain worksheet  Back to main Healthy Brain page

There seems to be no good news for smokers or drinkers. It’s important that even the potentially good news we have heard about the benefits of red wine be put into perspective.

Fact 1. Many studies have shown that people who drink alcohol are 2-3 times more likely to develop dementia. The risk increases with greater consumption. (British Medical Journal 2004)

Fact 2. Smoking after the age of 40 seems to be increasingly bad for brain health. Therefore, even quitting later in life will have positive results. (Richards et al, American Journal of Public Health 2003)

Fact 3. Certain chemicals literally kill brain cells and create holes in the brain. For example, a brain section of a person who has used methamphetamine ('crystal meth') has the shrinkage and gaps characteristic of a brain impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. (Dr. Richard Ernst and Dr. Linda Chance – Harbour UCLA California 2000)

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