Electronic cigarettes have been promoted as healthier alternatives to regular cigarettes, but what do they do to the brain? A new study has found that vaping leads to issues with memory, concentration, and decision-making. While electronic cigarettes are described as less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes, they can cause what is known as "brain fog."
The study revealed that the risk of brain fog is three to four times higher in individuals who use e-cigarettes compared to others. Dr. Dongmei Li, a co-author of the study, stated, "Our studies add additional evidence to the growing body of proof that vaping should not be considered a safe alternative to smoking tobacco products."
It is worth mentioning that this study was based on results from two major national surveys involving almost a million individuals. The surveys asked people about their vaping habits and whether they experienced any attention, memory, or concentration problems. Both surveys indicated that increased vaping is associated with greater issues in cognitive brain function. Additionally, using both regular and electronic cigarettes was linked to more significant health problems.
Furthermore, the study found a strong association between vaping and brain fog, particularly among individuals who began using e-cigarettes before the age of 14. Some surveys have confirmed that more than a quarter of high school students used some form of e-cigarette in 2019. Dr. Li expressed concern over the number of young people who vape, emphasizing that the recent rise in vaping among teenagers calls for urgent intervention to reduce this phenomenon. Implementing prevention programs starting in middle or high school might also be necessary and cannot be postponed.
Moreover, the study's authors noted that adolescence is a critical period for brain development. During this time, the brain is still developing and is more susceptible to neurotoxic substances like nicotine. Previous studies on the cognitive effects of nicotine have shown that early exposure can impact brain development in youth and lead to cognitive impairments later in life. Although e-cigarettes deliver fewer dangerous compounds, they provide the same or even higher levels of nicotine.
