Health

Smoking shrinks the brain and drives up Alzheimer’s risk, new study finds

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2024

Smoking shrinks the brain and drives up Alzheimer’s risk, new study finds

Smoking is notorious for causing damage to the lungs — but a recent study confirmed that it’s also harmful to the brain.

Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine (WashUMed) in St. Louis, Missouri, analyzed the brain scans, smoking history and genetic risk of 32,094 participants of European descent from the UK Biobank database.

Those who smoked one pack daily were found to have decreased brain volume compared to those who never smoked or had smoked fewer than 100 total cigarettes.

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With each additional year of smoking, the shrinkage was greater.

The study, published in the January 2024 issue of Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, helps to explain why older people who smoke are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, according to the researchers.

Smoking is notorious for causing damage to the lungs, but recent research confirmed that it is also harmful to the brain. (iStock)

“People who smoke are more likely to have deterioration in gray and white matter, which provides a possible explanation as to why 14% of global Alzheimer’s disease cases could be attributable to cigarette smoking,” they wrote in the study findings.

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“Up until recently, scientists overlooked the effects of smoking on the brain, in part because we were focused on all the terrible effects of smoking on the lungs and the heart,” said senior author Laura J. Bierut, M.D., the Alumni Endowed Professor of Psychiatry, in a press release from WashUMed.

“But as we’ve started looking at the brain more closely, it’s become apparent that smoking is also really bad for your brain.”

Those who smoked one pack daily were found to have decreased brain volume compared to those who never smoked or had smoked fewer than 100 total cigarettes. (iStock)

It has long been known that aging is linked to a gradual reduction in brain volume, and this study shows that smoking speeds up that process, the researchers noted.

“This is important as our population gets older, because aging and smoking are both risk factors for dementia,” noted Bierut.

“There’s one thing you can change to stop aging your brain and putting yourself at increased risk of dementia, and that’s to quit smoking.”

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One positive finding was that kicking the habit can prevent the loss of additional brain tissue — but the shrinkage can’t be reversed.

“You can’t undo the damage that has already been done, but you can avoid causing further damage,” said first author Yoonhoo Chang, a graduate student at WashUMed.

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“Smoking is a modifiable risk factor. There’s one thing you can change to stop aging your brain and putting yourself at increased risk of dementia, and that’s to quit smoking.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for additional comment.

Impact of toxins on aging

Dr. Brett Osborn, neurosurgery section chief at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, was not involved in the WashUMed study but shared his reaction to the findings.

While aging — and some age-related diseases — can’t be prevented, Osborn noted that our lifestyle choices can accelerate or decelerate the process.

Dr. Brett Osborn, neurosurgery section chief at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, shared his reaction to the study findings. (Dr. Brett Osborn)

“We can age gracefully in part by choosing to avoid toxins such as alcohol and smoking, both of which increase the production of toxic free radicals, also known as oxidative stress,” he told Fox News Digital.

When someone smokes, the doctor explained, the person’s blood vessel linings are “bombarded” by free radicals, which are electrons that cause cell damage. That impacts not only the heart and lungs, but also the brain.

“When you smoke, the brain takes a hit due to the induced vascular damage,” Osborn said. “Over time, the brain shrinks, and this is evident on MRI.”

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The new study confirms not only the correlation between reduced global brain volume, but also causation, said Osborn.

“It is not that those with reduced global brain volume tend to smoke from a genetic standpoint, but it is that those who smoke cause their brains to atrophy,” he said.

“Smoking does terrible things not only to the body but also to the brain, and in some parts, disproportionately more than others.”

“Smoking does terrible things not only to the body but also to the brain, and in some parts, disproportionately more than others,” a neurologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

The regions most affected by smoking are the frontal cortex (involved in executive function, memory input and mood), cerebellum (coordination), corpus callosum (information bridge between the two hemispheres), and amygdala (emotional response and memory), Osborn pointed out.

“It is also well-established that hippocampal volume, or the volume of our primary center, is reduced in daily smokers,” he said. “It should be no surprise, therefore, that there is an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in smokers.”

“Smoking does terrible things not only to the body but also to the brain.”

While other organs, such as the lungs, can recover after a person quits smoking, there are no subsequent increases in brain volume, said Osborn.

“The brain demonstrates a lower capacity for recovery, so the best you can hope for is a deceleration in induced damage when you stop,” he said. “So, the sooner you quit, the better.”

The study helps to explain why older people who smoke are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, according to the researchers. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)

“Remember, staying healthy lifelong is about making the right choices to mitigate the cellular damage that is the hallmark of the disease we call aging, to which no one is immune,” Osborn added.

“Do everything in your power to slow it down, rather than accelerating the process by smoking.”

One out of every five U.S. deaths can be attributed to smoking, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tips for kicking the habit

Dr. David Seitz, a New York-based physician with a specialty in addiction medicine, previously shared with Fox News Digital some tips for kicking the habit.

The first step is to remove all traces of cigarettes and other forms of smoking.

It’s also important to have a strong support system in place, the doctor said.

Some people find that it’s easier to gradually wean themselves off smoking instead of quitting cold turkey. (iStock)

He also suggested seeking out healthier activities to fill the gap, such as walking or jogging, listening to a relaxing playlist, meditating or going to a yoga class.

Some people find that it’s easier to gradually wean themselves off smoking instead of quitting cold turkey.

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“This could involve gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day until eventually giving up completely, cutting back to a certain number of cigarettes per week or focusing on specific dates when you need to be completely smoke-free,” Seitz said.

For those who are unable to stop smoking on their own, Seitz recommended seeing a doctor for assistance.

“Your doctor can provide helpful information about how to quit smoking, prescribe medications that may help, and also monitor your progress along the way.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

Health

5 winter-weather essentials to protect skin health in dangerously cold temperatures

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

5 winter-weather essentials to protect skin health in dangerously cold temperatures

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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.

But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.

Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.

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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.

Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com

Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)

A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.

Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.

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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.

Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.

Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com

Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)

Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.

Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.

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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.

She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.

Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com

Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)

Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.

Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.

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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”

Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com

Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)

When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.

“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.

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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.

Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com

A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.

Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)

“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.

“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”

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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Health

Foods and Drinks That Help With Bloating: Flatten Your Belly in Days

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

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Foods and Drinks That Help With Bloating: Flatten Your Belly in Days

Foods That Help With Bloating and Shrink Your Waist Fast | Woman’s World

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Health

What to know about Cushing’s syndrome, which led to Amy Schumer’s dramatic weight loss

Published

20 hours ago

December 13, 2025

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What to know about Cushing’s syndrome, which led to Amy Schumer’s dramatic weight loss

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Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, has recently come clean about her struggle with Cushing’s syndrome, leading to a dramatic weight loss.

Schumer’s transformation has sparked conversation online, to which she responded in a now-deleted Instagram post that shut down speculation about cosmetic enhancements.

“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” she emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler.

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Schumer doubled down that her weight loss was not about her appearance, but about staying alive.

“Not to look hot, which does feel fun and temporary,” she said. “I did it to survive. I had a disease that makes your face extremely puffy that can kill you, but the internet caught it and that disease has cleared.”

Amy Schumer attends Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event on May 2, 2024, in New York City on the left. On the right, Schumer later poses for a photo posted to Instagram after her weight loss. (Marleen Moise/WireImage; Amy Schumer/Instagram)

“Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight,” she added. “I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro]. Sorry to anyone they let down. I’m pain free. I can [play] tag with my son.”

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The actress also addressed her shifting hormones, saying that she’s “happy to share more if anyone has any questions about how I’m looking or feeling or where I am in my perimenopause process.”

“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” Schumer emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler. (Amy Schumer/Instagram)

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Schumer previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause extreme swelling, fatigue and potentially fatal complications.

Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New Jersey, provided more details on the condition in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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“Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged, high exposure to cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone,” he said. “Usually, the excess cortisol is a result of prolonged steroid use. We see this many times with patients who have some autoimmune disorder.”

Balazs said the “key” to Cushing’s syndrome is not just weight gain, but a “specific redistribution” of fat caused by too much cortisol.

Amy Schumer is photographed during a guest interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 13, 2024 (left), and later seen walking through midtown New York City on Oct. 28, 2025 (right). (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)

Fat may be driven to the abdomen, chest, upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”) or face, sometimes considered “moon face,” the doctor said.

Cortisol also breaks down protein, which leads to a thinning in the arms and legs. “Weight gain can be tough, involuntary and hard to manage,” Balazs added.

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Cortisol stimulates “hunger centers” in the brain, raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage, especially deep belly fat, according to the doctor.

Cushing’s syndrome can also cause high blood pressure, bone loss and sometimes type 2 diabetes, per Mayo Clinic.

In addition to weight gain in certain areas, other symptoms may include pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms, as well as acne, slow wound healing, and thin, frail skin that bruises easily.

With Cushing’s syndrome, fat may accumulate in the abdomen, chest, face or upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”). (iStock)

Women with Cushing’s syndrome often experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, as well as irregular periods. Symptoms among men can include a lower sex drive, reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.

Mayo Clinic listed other potential symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, trouble with concentration and memory, headache, sleeplessness, skin darkening and stunted growth in children.

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Those with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they are taking steroids to treat health issues like asthma, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, as these medications can exacerbate the condition.

The Mayo Clinic has reported that the “sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.”

“I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro],” Schumer stated in a social media post. (George Frey/Bloomberg)

For patients like Schumer, weight loss is typically not the main goal, Balazs noted, but it is a “critical sign” of successful treatment.

“The primary goal is to normalize your high cortisol levels,” he said. “I believe Amy Schumer got treated first for her underlying problem. Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.”

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Among GLP-1s, Mounjaro is an “excellent choice to decrease deep belly fat and increase insulin sensitivity of cells,” Balazs added.

Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.

Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer’s rep requesting comment.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.