Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia than non-smokers, however many people are unaware of this link, two leading health organisations have warned.

Around 48,000 people in Ireland are affected by various types of dementia, however this figure is expected to jump to 68,000 by 2021 and to 132,000 by 2041 because of our ageing population.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), next year, 11 people per day will develop dementia and the average annual cost per person with the disease is around €40,500.

The ASI has come together with anti-smoking group, ASH Ireland, to highlight the fact that while not all cases of dementia are preventable, people can reduce their risk of developing it by not smoking.

Research shows that smokers have a 50% increased risk of developing dementia compared to people who have never smoked. However, this risk falls if a person quits the habit.

According to World Health Organization estimates, smoking may be to blame for around 14% of cases of Alzheimer's disease worldwide. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.

"Current health promotion in Ireland ignores modifiable risk factors for dementia. The Department of Health's Tobacco Free Policy highlights the associations between smoking and premature mortality, cancers and respiratory diseases, but not the established links between smoking and dementia. It's high time the concept of brain health underpinned our leading health policies if we have a chance of stemming this tide," commented Tina Leonard of the ASI.

This was backed up by ASH chairman, Dr Ross Morgan, who noted that while the links between smoking and cancer, stroke and heart disease are well known, ‘the general public, including most smokers, are relatively unaware of the link with dementia and smoking'.

"It is important to raise awareness of the proven link between smoking and dementia. Public policies aimed at reducing smoking could play an important role in addressing the risk of dementia in Irish society," he added.

The organisations made their comments on World Alzheimer's Day (September 21). For more information on the ASI, click here. For more information on ASH Ireland, click here.

See also our Alzheimer's Clinic here.