A new research claims that cigarette smoking may actually aid in decreasing the risk for Parkinson’s disease. This study reveals a sequential association between smoking and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
This research was conducted by Evan L. Thacker and colleagues from Harvard School of Public Health. They claim that it is not their intention to promote nicotine but urge the scientific community to consider the possibilities of neuro-protective chemicals that may be present in tobacco leaves.This study published in the March 6th issue of Neurology had scrutinized smoking habits of 79,977 women and 63,348 men. It was found after nine years of follow up that 413 people had developed Parkinson’s disease.
The research claims that former smokers had a 22% lower risk of Parkinson's disease and current smokers had a 73-percent lower risk. Similar results followed when gender also was considered.
Thacker also noted that more years of smoking, fewer years since quitting, more cigarettes per day, and a higher total amount of lifetime smoking in former smokers were correlated to a lower Parkinson's disease risk. Duration of smoking and the time since quitting had a major effect on the risk of getting affected by Parkinson’s than the average daily smoking. He says that a component in the tobacco leaf may actually be protecting people from Parkinson’s disease.
Source-Medindia
JYT
