{"id":62274,"date":"2026-04-14T01:25:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T01:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/2026\/04\/14\/study-finds-vaping-may-increase-risk-of-cognitive-impairment-in-young-adults\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T01:26:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T01:26:04","slug":"study-finds-vaping-may-increase-risk-of-cognitive-impairment-in-young-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christiancorner.us\/index.php\/2026\/04\/14\/study-finds-vaping-may-increase-risk-of-cognitive-impairment-in-young-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"Study finds vaping may increase risk of cognitive impairment in young adults"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A Thailand-based study found that young adults who used e-cigarettes were more likely to be at risk of cognitive impairment, adding new concerns to the debate over whether vaping is truly a safe option.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Study: Impact of e-cigarette use on cognitive function, emotional intelligence, and dementia risk in adolescents and young adults.<\/a>. Image Credit: Hazem.M.Kamal\/Shutterstock<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In a recent study published in the journal scientific report<\/cite><\/strong><\/a>A group of researchers evaluated the association between e-cigarette use and cognitive impairment, emotional intelligence, and attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (adhd<\/abbr>) Symptom trends in young adults.<\/p>\n

Neurocognitive Concerns About Young Adult Vaping<\/h2>\n

What if a habit considered “safer than smoking” quietly affects the way the brain thinks, feels, and remembers? The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ends up<\/abbr>), there is increased concern among young people and adolescent populations around the world.<\/p>\n

Nicotine exposure during critical developmental years can impact brain maturation, affecting attention, emotional regulation, and long-term cognitive health. <\/p>\n

situations like adhd<\/abbr> And early cognitive impairment risks are particularly relevant in this age group. Currently, there is limited and inconsistent research on the relationship between ends up<\/abbr> And these neurocognitive consequences.<\/p>\n

More research is needed to provide clarity on these relationships and inform public health policies.<\/p>\n

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Thailand e-cigarette study design<\/h2>\n

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, Thailand between August 2023 and July 2024. In the study, 232 participants aged 18\u201325 years were equally divided into e-cigarette users and non-smokers (n = 116 each). Systematic random sampling was used to select participants based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure comparability between groups.<\/p>\n

Structured questionnaires and validated instruments were used to collect data from the participants. Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS<\/abbr>) version 1.1 was used to determine adhd<\/abbr> Symptom tendency.<\/p>\n

Emotional intelligence was measured by a standardized test of emotional quotient that assessed self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and interpersonal skills. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Chance<\/abbr>), a well-validated screening tool to identify early cognitive impairment, was used to assess cognitive function and risk of cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n

Demographic data, substance use, and e-cigarette use were also recorded for this study. All statistical analyzes were conducted using IBM SPSS version 29, and group differences were evaluated using Pearson’s chi-square test.<\/p>\n

Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (Or<\/abbr>s) and 95% confidence interval (cis<\/abbr>) for dementia risk predictor variables, and statistically significant results were set at P < 0.05. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before starting data collection.<\/p>\n

ADHD, Emotional Intelligence, and Cognitive Conclusions<\/h2>\n

The study involved 232 young adults with an average age of about 22 years. The majority of participants were students (53.9% women), among whom alcohol use was common, but drug use was low. Nearly half reported that a family member smoked, indicating potential environmental exposure to nicotine-related behaviors.<\/p>\n

Most e-cigarette consumers reported moderate use, meaning most people smoked one or less e-cigarette devices per day. Most began during late adolescence, often motivated by curiosity, perceived low disadvantage, and social influences. Social and contextual influences played a role, with many participants using e-cigarettes on nights out or in social settings, emphasizing the importance of the peer environment in maintaining use patterns.<\/p>\n

analysis of adhd<\/abbr> Symptom trends showed that approximately 10-11% of participants showed persistent symptoms adhd<\/abbr>. It was observed that e-cigarette users and non-smokers showed no significant differences in attention-related symptoms, and this suggests that, in this group, vaping was not strongly associated with attention-related issues.<\/p>\n

Levels of emotional intelligence were generally within normal limits, but both groups showed lower than expected levels of empathy, decision making, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being.<\/p>\n

Comparisons between e-cigarette users and non-smokers revealed no statistically significant relationships across the “good,” “competent,” and “well-being” dimensions of emotional intelligence. Although minor differences were observed, these patterns likely reflect social or contextual influences rather than direct effects of e-cigarette use.<\/p>\n

E-cigarette use and cognitive impairment risk<\/h2>\n

The risk of developing dementia was significantly increased among e-cigarette users. A significantly higher proportion of e-cigarette users (39.7%) were classified as at risk of cognitive impairment compared to non-smokers (0.9%) (p < 0.001).<\/p>\n

Several additional analyzes confirmed these findings, including a logistic regression analysis that showed that individuals who did not plan to stop using e-cigarettes in the next month were six times more likely to experience cognitive impairment (Or<\/abbr> = 6.04).<\/p>\n

Those who do not plan to stop using e-cigarettes in the next six months are four times more likely to experience cognitive impairment (Or<\/abbr> = 4.15).<\/p>\n

Vaping prevention and research implications<\/h2>\n

This study shows that e-cigarette use is significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia in young adults, even in the absence of strong associations adhd<\/abbr> Traits or emotional intelligence. Vaping regularly, especially without trying to quit, is linked to greater cognitive vulnerability, even in young people.<\/p>\n

These findings are important, because early changes in cognition can affect brain health, work productivity, and quality of life. Although many believe that e-cigarettes provide an alternative means of safely consuming nicotine, long-term effects of e-cigarettes may have neurological effects, although this study could not establish causation. <\/p>\n

Strategies designed to change public perception should focus on increasing awareness of early intervention and prevention measures aimed at helping individuals who currently use e-cigarettes. Longitudinal research is also needed to clarify this relationship and the mechanisms behind it. <\/p>\n

The findings should also be interpreted with caution because the study was cross-sectional, used Chance<\/abbr> As a screening tool rather than a clinical trial, and was conducted in an urban district in Thailand.<\/p>\n

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Journal Reference:<\/p>\n

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