In brief
A systematic review led by Curtin University found that current smokers are at a 31% higher risk of dementia, 40% higher risk of Alzheimer's and 52% higher risk of vascular dementia, with risk increasing with cigarette consumption. Former smokers did not show a heightened risk. The study urged inclusion of brain health in anti‑smoking messages. However, a Curtin University press release that cites the same findings is currently inaccessible, leaving that statement unconfirmed.
In Sydney, Australian researchers announced on 9 November 2026 that current smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, according to a meta‑analysis of 61 studies involving almost 2.8 million participants.
The review, led by Curtin University, reported that smokers face a 31 percent higher overall risk of dementia, a 40 percent higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a 52 percent higher risk of vascular dementia compared with people who have never smoked.
It also found that risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked per day—those who smoke 10 cigarettes a day had a 16 percent higher risk, whereas those who smoke 20 a day faced a 34 percent increase compared with non‑smokers.
Former smokers did not show a significantly higher risk than lifelong non‑smokers, indicating that quitting may mitigate the elevated risk associated with smoking.
The authors concluded that the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that quitting smoking could help lower dementia risk, and they called for brain health to be incorporated into cigarette warnings, anti‑smoking campaigns and quit‑smoking programs.
While the study’s conclusions are clear, a Curtin University press release that reportedly presents the same figures is currently unavailable on the university’s website, leaving that particular source unconfirmed.
Those interested in the study can refer to the original publication in eClinicalMedicine or the summary released by the university, which provide the detailed data and methodology used in the review.
