Inhale, exhale, protect: the surprising science behind smoking and Parkinson’s disease

Mohamed, Wael Mohamed Yousef (2025) Inhale, exhale, protect: the surprising science behind smoking and Parkinson’s disease. The Health, 8 (61). p. 21. ISSN 2700-9188

Preview

PDF - Published Version Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The negative correlation between cigarette smoking and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been a persistent conundrum in epidemiology. Numerous epidemiological studies have consistently shown a reduced frequency of Parkinson’s disease among smokers, prompting fascinating enquiries into the possible neuroprotective properties of tobacco smoke constituents. Nonetheless, the processes that underpin this relationship are little understood, and whether smoking itself provides protection or whether other explanations account for this phenomenon continues to be a subject of contention. Epidemiological Data. Numerous extensive cohort and case-control studies have shown that smokers have a reduced risk of getting Parkinson’s disease compared to non-smokers. A meta-analysis of epidemiological data indicates that both present and past smokers demonstrate a decreased incidence of Parkinson’s disease, with a dose-dependent relationship showing that increased smoking intensity and duration correlate with a lower risk. This inverse association has prompted researchers to hypothesise that specific components of tobacco smoke may possess neuroprotective properties, possibly postponing the development or mitigating severity of Parkinson’s disease pathology.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Basic Medical
Depositing User:	Dr Wael Mohamed
Date Deposited:	05 Mar 2025 10:51
Last Modified:	05 Mar 2025 11:05
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/120034

Actions (login required)

View Item