Does smoking increase the risk of dementia? Yes — and quitting pays off at any age

I've been smoking for over 30 years and have tried to quit twice. Is it really worth trying again at 60 — or is the damage already done?

It's worth it — and the science is clear on this. In the WHO guidelines on reducing the risk of dementia, smoking cessation is one of only two recommendations classified as strong: for adults who smoke, interventions to quit smoking should be offered, also with the specific aim of reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Why tobacco affects the brain

Tobacco damages blood vessels — and the brain is one of the most vascularised organs in the body. By harming cerebral circulation, smoking contributes to the same type of vascular damage that is at the origin of some dementias. Protecting the vessels is protecting memory.

"The damage is already done" is a myth

The risk accumulates throughout life, but it is not irreversible in the sense that quitting smoking stops paying off. Stopping at 60 still reduces cardiovascular risk almost immediately — and with it, the risk that would accumulate from then on. Every year without smoking is a year in which the vessels (and the brain) are grateful.

Have you tried twice? That's normal — and helpful

Most people who quit smoking permanently needed several attempts. The previous ones were not failures: they were practice. This time, consider not trying alone — professional support (smoking cessation clinics, nicotine substitutes, supportive medication) doubles or triples the chances of success. In Portugal, the NHS has smoking cessation clinics: talk to your GP or call SNS 24.