Researchers find a link between reduced grey matter in specific brain areas and the inclination to start smoking during adolescence, potentially escalating nicotine addiction. A recent study has revealed that the levels of grey matter in two areas of the brain might be associated with an inclinatio
A study conducted by researchers from UK and Chinese universities analyzed the grey matter levels in the brains of over 800 adolescents. Results showed a correlation between decreased grey matter in specific brain regions and the onset of smoking during teenage years, which may escalate nicotine addiction. These findings could have potential implications for the prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction, as grey matter reduction was also linked with other substance use behaviors.
Researchers suggest that a diminished volume of grey matter in the left side of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex could serve as an “inheritable biomarker” for nicotine dependence, offering insights for prevention and treatment. “The initiation of a smoking habit is most likely to occur during adolescence. Any way of detecting an increased chance of this, so we can target interventions, could help save millions of lives.”
“Less grey matter across this brain region may limit cognitive function, leading to lower self-control and a propensity for risky behavior, such as smoking.”The study used data gathered by the IMAGEN project from sites in four European countries: UK, Germany, France, and Ireland. The researchers compared brain imaging data for those who had smoked by age 14 with those who had not, and repeated this for the same participants at ages 19 and 23.
Data at age 23 showed that grey matter volume in the right prefrontal cortex shrank at a faster pace in those who continued to smoke, suggesting an influence of smoking itself on prefrontal function.
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