Smoking, childhood IQ, and cognitive function in old age

Janie Corley, Alan J. Gow, John M. Starr, Ian J. Deary*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    45 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objectives: To examine the association between smoking history and cognitive function in old age, and whether it remains after controlling for childhood cognitive ability (IQ) and adult socioeconomic status (SES).

    Methods: In the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 Study, 1080 men and women, who previously participated in a nationwide IQ-type test in childhood, were followed up at age 70. The associations between smoking history and age 70 IQ, general cognitive ability (g), processing speed, memory, and verbal ability were assessed.

    Results: Lower childhood IQ was associated with a higher risk of becoming a smoker and continuing to smoke in late life, and with reduced lung function (FEV1) in late life. Current smokers scored significantly lower than ex-smokers and never smokers on tests of age 70 IQ general cognitive ability, and processing speed, but not memory or verbal ability. After controlling for childhood IQ and SES, current smoking at age 70 (but not pack years of smoking) was associated with impairments in general cognitive ability and processing speed.

    Conclusion: Smoking in old age makes a small, independent contribution to cognitive performance in old age. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)132-138
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research
    Volume73
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Aug 2012

    Keywords

    • MIDDLE-AGE
    • Cognitive function
    • Socioeconomic status
    • MENTAL SURVEY 1932
    • BEHAVIOR
    • Ageing
    • Smoking
    • FOLLOW-UP
    • CESSATION
    • BIRTH COHORT
    • LUNG-FUNCTION
    • Childhood IQ
    • EDUCATION
    • CIGARETTE-SMOKING
    • ABILITY

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Smoking, childhood IQ, and cognitive function in old age'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this