Argus News - As Cigarettes Get Costlier Overnight, Study Says Quitting Can Still Save Your Brain

Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: Cigarette prices have gone up again, with rates increasing by at least Rs 22 to Rs 25 per pack of 10 sticks after the additional excise duty kicked in on Sunday, February 1. Distributors say premium 76 mm cigarettes have been hit harder, with prices jumping by Rs 50 to Rs 55 per pack, depending on the brand. For regular smokers, this fresh round of price hikes means the cost of the habit is only getting steeper -- making now a good time to think about quitting, both for the wallet and for long-term health.

People aged over 40 who stop smoking can still see improvements in memory and thinking ability compared with those who continue to smoke, according to a study published in the health journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity.

The study analysed data from 9,436 people aged 40 years and above. It included both former smokers and current smokers. Participants underwent several tests, including assessments of memory and language ability. Researchers found that those who quit smoking after 40 performed better on cognitive tests than those who continued smoking.

The findings suggest that quitting smoking improves not only lung and heart health but also brain health, and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Smoking Is Highly Injurious
Researchers noted that smoking damages blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. This increases free radicals and oxidative stress, leading to damage to brain cells. Over time, this can result in cognitive decline, which is associated with dementia.


Smoking also increases the risk of several diseases. Cigarette smoke passes from the lungs to the heart and then spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. It contains nicotine, carbon monoxide and thousands of carcinogens that can cause cancer. Smoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and various cancers.

Everything Is Not Lost
Doctors say that the body has the ability to heal itself, although recovery takes longer for people who have smoked for many years. He added that improvements appear gradually and require patience.

The Lancet study indicates that quitting smoking at any age leads to recovery in brain health. This challenges the common belief that giving up smoking later in life has little benefit.

Researchers said awareness that quitting smoking can improve memory and cognitive function at any age could serve as a strong motivation for smokers.

Health experts note that the body begins healing immediately after smoking cessation. Within two to three weeks, positive changes can be observed. Between one and nine months, the body continues to repair itself. Blood circulation improves, the lungs begin to clear, breathlessness reduces and energy levels increase.

How to Quit Smoking?
Experts recommend identifying a clear motivation to quit smoking, such as protecting family members from passive smoking. Passive smokers are people who do not smoke themselves but inhale smoke from others. Others may choose to quit to improve their own health or increase longevity.


The study underscores that it is never too late to stop smoking and gain health benefits, including improved brain function.

Books, Podcasts to Support Smoking Cessation
Several books and podcasts are also cited as tools that may help people quit smoking by addressing behavioural patterns, mental dependence and cravings.

Books

'The Easy Way to Stop Smoking' by Allen Carr focuses on breaking the mental addiction to cigarettes. The book addresses fear and stress linked to smoking and challenges the belief that life without cigarettes is impossible, with the aim of making quitting easier and reducing struggle.

'Smoke Free in 30 Days' by Daniel F. Seidman offers a 30-day, step-by-step plan. It encourages setting small daily goals and is designed to help reduce nicotine cravings and mood swings while gradually breaking the habit.

'How to Stop Smoking: 30 Solutions to Suit You' by Matthew Aldrich states that smokers are not all the same. The book presents 30 different quitting methods, allowing readers to choose an approach based on their personality, lifestyle and triggers.

'Stop Smoking with CBT' by Max Pemberton is based on cognitive behavioural therapy. It explains why cigarette cravings arise during stress, anger or boredom and outlines ways to change those thought patterns.

'Stop Smoking, Stay Cool' by Richard Craze uses real-life experiences to explain that restlessness in the early days of quitting is common and can be managed with the right mindset.

Also Read: Feeling Hungry All The Time In Winter? Here’s Why…

Podcasts

Podcasts are also mentioned as a support option, as they can be listened to during daily activities such as walking, commuting or cooking. Regular listening is said to help identify cravings, triggers and mental blocks.

'Freedom From Smoking': The Allen Carr Journey shares Allen Carr’s method and real-life quit stories. The podcast focuses on understanding the root of the habit. Carr was a British author whose book The Easy Way to Stop Smoking has been widely used by people seeking to quit.

'Stop Smoking Hypnosis' by Jason Newland uses hypnosis and relaxation techniques aimed at reducing cravings and managing stress. Newland is a British hypnotherapist known for smoking cessation programmes.

'Quit Smoking Today' Podcast combines scientific tips, cognitive coaching and hypnosis-based methods, presenting step-by-step guidance on quitting smoking.

'Quit Smoking Now' Podcast with Dr Daniel Seidman features short expert sessions focusing on changing long-standing habits and thought patterns.

'You Can Quit Smoking' uses interviews and real-life stories to reinforce motivation and confidence in quitting smoking.