Summary: A new study shows that college students who vape have lower cognitive function scores, with heavier use associated with greater impairment. The research raises concerns about the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on brain health.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The Cognitive Cost of Vaping
Electronic cigarettes, once touted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, may be taking a significant toll on young adults’ cognitive abilities. A pioneering study presented at the 149th Annual Meeting of the American Neurological Association (ANA) has unveiled troubling links between vaping and reduced cognitive function in college students.
The research, conducted at two universities in Guayaquil, Ecuador, involved 405 Hispanic students aged 18-30. Participants were divided into four groups: those who only vaped, those who only smoked cigarettes, those who both vaped and smoked, and a control group of non-users. All subjects underwent Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests, which evaluate various aspects of cognitive function including learning, memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
The results were striking. Students who neither smoked nor vaped scored a median of 26 on the MoCA test, within the normal range. However, those who only vaped scored a median of 24, while those who both vaped and smoked fared worst with a median score of 24 and individual scores as low as 8 – well into the range of moderate cognitive impairment.
Lead author Linker Viñan Paucar, a final-year medical student at Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, noted, “People in the study who had previously smoked cigarettes typically smoked three or four a week, but with vaping, they now smoke double, triple, or more, especially if they smoke and vape.”
Dose-Dependent Decline
The study revealed a dose-dependent relationship between vaping and cognitive impairment. Students who vaped 10 to 20 puffs per day scored 9.2% lower than non-users, while those exceeding 20 puffs daily showed a 13.7% reduction in cognitive scores.
This correlation raises alarm bells about the potential long-term effects of vaping on brain health, particularly among young adults whose brains are still developing. While previous research has established links between traditional smoking and cognitive decline, this study is among the first to demonstrate similar effects from e-cigarette use.
The findings are particularly concerning given the prevalence of vaping among young adults. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 11% of U.S. adults aged 18-24 reported vaping in 2021.
Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes often contain significant levels of nicotine. Research has shown that nicotine can cause neurotoxicity, potentially damaging brain cells. Moreover, smoking has been linked to reduced brain volume and narrowed blood vessels, which can decrease blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Viñan Paucar emphasized the significance of their findings: “We believe our research marks a before and after in the field of studying cognitive function regarding vaping. It will be important to study vaping in other college students, including those who are Black, white or Asian and Pacific islander.”
As the first study of its kind to examine the relationship between vaping and cognitive function in young adults, this research opens up new avenues for investigation into the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use. It also underscores the need for further studies to understand the long-term neurological impacts of vaping across diverse populations.
Quiz:
- What was the median MoCA score for students who both vaped and smoked? a) 26 b) 24 c) 25 d) 8
- How much lower did students who vaped more than 20 puffs a day score compared to non-users? a) 9.2% b) 13.7% c) 24% d) 26%
- What percentage of U.S. adults aged 18-24 reported vaping in 2021? a) 4.5% b) 5.2% c) 11% d) 3.3%
Answer key:
- b) 24
- b) 13.7%
- c) 11%
