New study reveals effects of smoking on women's mental functions

Alcohol abuse is commonly seen as having the worst effect on the mind, but a new study reveals that for women at least, a history of smoking could be even worse.

Researchers in the US have found that whilst both men and women with a history of alcohol abuse scored similarly on cognitive function tests as those who had no record of drinking problems, it was a different matter for women with a history of smoking.

The study found that in general, women who had been addicted to smoking - even if they'd given up the habit - scored lower on cognitive tests than their clean-living counterparts. Surprisingly this same pattern was not seen in men.

Dr Kristin Carpers of the University of Iowa, who contributed to the study, said that the difference between men and women regarding smoking and cognition may be due to the role of oestrogen.

She said that because around 60% of the women in the study were between the ages of 40 and 54, the fluctuating oestrogen levels experienced during the menopause may have been effected by the subject's history of cigarette smoking. Previous studies on animals have indicated that nicotine can lower blood oestrogen levels and possibly inhibit the positive effects the hormone can have on brain cells.

Published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, the researchers stress that their findings are unclear and further study is required. However, these preliminary findings indicate another good reason for people - and women in particular - to stop smoking. Hypnotherapy is among the treatments which help people of any gender or age group to overcome addiction and lessen their future health problems.