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SALT LAKE CITY-- Another sobering study released this month shows an even more insidious side effect from breathing second-hand smoke. This time researchers at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. have seen a link between exposure and developing dementia and other cognitive problems.
The British Medical Journal has published a significant study this month showing a 44 percent increased risk of developing cognitive impairments if, as a non-smoker, you are exposed to second-hand smoke.
While there have been previous studies on second-hand smoke and the risk of cognitive problems in children, this is the first large scale research showing what can happen to adults, especially those over the age of 50.
David Neville, with the state health department, says the Cambridge study is just another piece of ammunition added to the arsenal. "I thought it was just one more to the pile that says second-hand smoke is toxic," he said.
The research team used saliva from nearly 5,000 non-smoking adults to measure their exposure in smoking environments to second-hand smoke. Neuropsychological tests measured brain function through verbal memory or recalling words immediately and then after a delay. Volunteers also had to calculate numbers and oriented themselves to the correct time. They also had to show verbal fluency, like naming as many animals as possible in one minute.
Results added together came up with what is called a global score. Those with scores in the lowest 10 percent experienced cognitive issues, increasing their risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.
Neville says what studies have already shown with second-hand smoke and children is why Canada and some U.S. states have adopted laws prohibiting smoking in a car where children are passengers.
"It's not that big of a deal to ask people to wait 20 minutes until the car ride is over, then smoke," he said.
E-mail: eyeates@ksl.com
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