Are you a college student who vapes? New research shows that those who vape score lower on cognitive function tests compared to their non-vaping peers. This groundbreaking study, presented at the American Neurological Association’s annual meeting, revealed that the more frequently students used electronic cigarettes, the wider the gap in cognitive functioning. Interestingly, students who both vape and smoke cigarettes showed the worst cognitive outcomes.
While vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, medical experts caution that it is not without risks. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to chronic lung disease, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, there are concerns about the unknown long-term effects of the other chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor.
Prior research has shown that smoking cigarettes can negatively impact cognitive function by reducing brain volume and restricting blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Nicotine, a component of cigarettes, has also been linked to brain cell damage. However, studies on vaping’s effects on the brain are limited, making this research particularly significant.
In the study, 405 college students in Ecuador underwent cognitive assessments, with those who vaped or smoked cigarettes scoring lower than non-users. Surprisingly, students who vaped more frequently had even lower cognitive scores compared to those who vaped less. Some participants even found themselves vaping more than they would smoke cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are the leading tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S., with many young users struggling to quit as they transition to young adulthood. This study’s findings are preliminary and have yet to be peer-reviewed, but highlight the importance of further research into the cognitive effects of vaping across a diverse demographic.