No level of smoking is safe. Although cigar smokers may light up less frequently than cigarette smokers, consuming tobacco has the same risks, including cancer and heart disease, for everyone. New research suggests smoking can also lead to memory loss in midlife. Going smoke-free greatly reduces your risk of heart attack and may help you retain your memories as well.
Cigar Smoking
Although cigar smoking is regarded by some as a more casual, elegant alternative to cigarette smoking, it can be just as hazardous to your health. According to MayoClinic.com, one cigar can contain the same amount of nicotine as several cigarettes, and a large cigar can contain an entire pack's worth of the drug. Smoking cigars regularly increases your risk of mouth, tongue, lip, throat, lung and esophageal cancer, as well as heart and lung disease. Although occasional cigar smoking may not be as hazardous as a regular habit, it's still unsafe.
Link to Memory Loss
The links between tobacco consumption and memory loss are still being studied. A 2008 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that smokers generally have more memory loss and problems with cognitive function later in life than nonsmokers. Quitting can help reverse these effects, according to the study; subjects who had quit a long time ago were less likely to be deficient in memory, vocabulary and verbal fluency. Because people with cognitive impairment in midlife may progress to dementia at a faster rate than others, quitting any form of smoking now---including cigars---may lessen your risk for these problems.
Other Causes
According to the National Institutes of Health's website MedlinePlus, memory loss has a number of causes, including alcohol and/or drug abuse, brain tumors or infections, uncontrolled depression or bipolar disorder, seizures, encephalitis, head trauma, nutritional deficiencies, uncontrolled epilepsy and migraine headaches. If you are having trouble remembering things, see your doctor to determine the exact cause.
Prevention
It may be difficult to prevent aging-related memory loss. However, avoiding head injuries and substances that impair your cognitive functions, such as alcohol and illicit drugs, can prevent memory loss associated with those causes. Brain disorders such as depression, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease should be controlled with medication to prevent associated memory loss. Quitting smoking in any form may also help prevent memory loss if current research is correct.
How to Quit
Quitting smoking is difficult but can be achieved with a plan, according to MayoClinic.com. Set a quit date and avoid places where you might be encouraged to light up, such as a bar or a cigar club. Ask your doctor about nicotine patches or other medications that can help you quit, as well as alternative methods to relax and relieve stress.
