Smoking hampers inteligence

Here is a new incentive for chain smokers to kick the butt. Apart from all other well know harms to the body they cause, according to a new study, cigarettes also cause damage to general intelligence, a study published in the online version of the Journal Archives of General Physians claims.

The study was conducted on 6000 men and 2100 women over a time period of 25 years. Regular smokers showed definite decline in short term verbal memory and problem solving abilities – aspects that smoking is supposed to enhance. The study also found that the effects a perceptibly higher in men than in women.

According to the principal author Saverein Sabia of the University College, London, “While we were aware of the ill effects they (cigarettes) have on the lungs and heart, this study has brought to light new evidence that suggests that they also affect brain cells. We have found that these effects become aparent typically after the age of 45”. Sabia further stated that these effects are seen not only on active but also on passive smokers.