Smoking and Cognitive Functioning

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the correlation between smoking and cognitive functioning in the elderly. The paper aims to determine if evidence exists to support the contention that smoking is detrimental to the mental health of elderly patients, or if this suggestion is unfounded. It generally discusses the health risks associated with smoking and then analyzes the literature with regards to the specific risks of smoking in elderly patients.

Outline:
Introduction
Health Risks
Literature
Health Promotion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The research indicates that there is widespread concern for the impact that smoking has on the mental health of elderly patients. The literature indicates that there is currently no correlation between a decline in mental health and smoking, but that there are continued concerns for health risks that are known and have yet to be determined for all age groups. It is apparent, therefore, that continued research is significant to discover the impact that smoking has on all people and that in relation to the elderly smoking should be evaluated as part of the service delivery on a consistent basis."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Broe, G., Creasey, H., Jorm, A., and Bennett, H. health habits and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in old age: A perspective study on the effects of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption. Australian and new Zealand Journal of public health. 22(5): 621-624,
• Jorm, A. (1999). Association between smoking and mental disorders: Results from an Australian National Prevalence Survey. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 23(3): 245-249.
• Mehta, K. Yaffe, K., Langa, K and Sands, L. (2003). Addictive effects of cognitive function and depressive symptoms on mortality in elderly community living adults. Journal of Gerontology. 58A(5): 461-468.

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• Research Paper # 26997 : "Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Rehabilitation"

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MLA Citation: