The findings, published in the latest online edition of the journal Addiction is the first study to explore the relationship between second hand tobacco smoke and everyday memory problems.
Dr Tom Heffernan and Dr Terence O’Neil, both researchers at the Collaboration for Drug and Alcohol Research Group at Northumbria University, compared a group of current smokers with two groups of non-smokers – those who were regularly exposed to second-hand smoke and those who were not.
Those exposed to second-hand smoke reported being exposed to second-hand smoke for an average of 25 hours a week for an average of four and a half years.
The three groups were tested on time-based memory (remembering to carry out an activity after some time) and event-based memory (which refers to memory for future intentions and activities).
Researchers found that the non-smokers who had been exposed to second-hand smoke forgot almost 20% more in the memory tests than those non-smokers not exposed. However, both groups out-performed the current smokers who forgot 30% more than those who were not exposed to second-hand smoking.
“According to recent reports by the World Health Organisation, exposure to second-hand smoke can have serious consequences on the said Heffernan.
“Our findings suggest that the deficits associated with second-hand smoke exposure extend to everyday cognitive function. We hope our work will stimulate further research in the field in order to gain a better understanding of the links between exposure to second-hand smoke, health problems and everyday cognitive function.”
Reduce your exposure to second hand tobacco smoke with an activated carbon air purifier designed specifically for smoke. Connect with an air quality expert via live chat, twitter or phone 1888-852-8247.
No comments:
Post a Comment