biostudies-literatureUnknown8Peters R<h4>Background</h4>Nicotine may aid reaction time, learning and memory, but smoking increases cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk factors have been linked to increased risk of dementia. A previous meta-analysis found that current smokers were at higher risk of subsequent dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and cognitive decline.<h4>Methods</h4>In order to update and examine this further a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using different search and inclusion criteria, database selection and more recent publications. Both reviews were restricted to those aged 65 and over.<h4>Results</h4>The review reported here found a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease with current smoking and a likely but not significantly increased risk of vascular demBMC geriatrics36https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2642819biostudies-literatureSmoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review.PMC2642819Peters RWarner JPoulter RBurch LBeckett NBulpitt CfalseSmoking, dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly, a systematic review.<h4>Background</h4>Nicotine may aid reaction time, learning and memory, but smoking increases cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk factors have been linked to increased risk of dementia. A previous meta-analysis found that current smokers were at higher risk of subsequent dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and cognitive decline.<h4>Methods</h4>In order to update and examine this further a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using different search and inclusion criteria, database selection and more recent publications. Both reviews were restricted to those aged 65 and over.<h4>Results</h4>The review reported here found a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease with current smoking and a likely but not significantly increased risk of vascular dem2008-01-01T00:00:00Z2008 Dec2025-04-22T06:45:13.352Z2019-03-27T00:20:44ZS-EPMC26428191910584010.1186/1471-2318-8-36