We've posted this before, but it's worth mentioning. Smoking makes you stupid, as my 10 year old would say. But since it's my blog and I try to be a little more objective and scientific, I'll just say that smokers experience a cognitive decline faster than never smokers.
There are studies that look at the size reduction of the brain in relationship to smokers versus never smokers. There are also studies which look at measured or calculated results of cognition between the two groups. This most recent study just kind of says, "Yes, there is a cognitive decline in smokers and it's probably underestimated in the literature because of bias".
Wow, think about that for a second. The scientific community already knows there is a decline in smokers, but now it's thought to be significantly underestimated. The original decline was measured to be roughly 0.11 standard units per year, but now it is thought to be 0.20 standard units. This is some 80% higher.
So, I wouldn't say smoking makes you stupid. The more correct thing to say is that you'll lose what's stored inbetween your ears faster, if you smoke.
