By San José, Costa Rica — For decades, the public health narrative surrounding tobacco has centered on its devastating impact on the lungs and heart. However, a landmark international study reveals a more insidious threat, confirming that smoking and vaping can significantly impair memory, verbal fluency, and overall brain function, accelerating cognitive decline.
The comprehensive investigation, led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, provides compelling evidence of this neurological damage. The study analyzed extensive data from nearly 9,500 individuals across 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Spain, tracking their cognitive health over time in relation to their smoking habits.
To delve into the legal framework surrounding cognitive health, from the rights of individuals in healthcare settings to the responsibilities of employers, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Cognitive health directly intersects with an individual’s legal capacity to make binding decisions, such as signing contracts or drafting a will. From a corporate standpoint, companies must be aware of their legal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for employees facing cognitive challenges, treating it as a matter of health and disability law. Proactive planning, both for personal estates through instruments like trusts and for corporate policy, is essential to navigate these complex and sensitive issues effectively.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that cognitive health is not merely a medical concern, but a foundational element of personal autonomy and corporate responsibility. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights the critical need for proactive planning in both our personal and professional lives.
The findings are stark: active smokers demonstrated a markedly faster deterioration of their mental capabilities as they aged. Conversely, the research offered a powerful incentive for quitting. Individuals who successfully stopped smoking before the age of 40 experienced a significantly slower rate of brain aging, closely mirroring the cognitive trajectory of those who had never smoked at all. This suggests a critical window exists to reverse or mitigate some of the long-term neurological harm.
Andrew Steptoe, an epidemiologist on the UCL research team, highlighted the profound implications of these results for long-term mental wellness and public health policy. He explained that even a seemingly minor reduction in the rate of cognitive decline can have a massive impact on an individual’s future.
that difference can shape the future of mental health, as milder cognitive decline is directly associated with a lower risk of developing dementia
Andrew Steptoe, Epidemiologist
In Costa Rica, these findings are particularly relevant as a new generation grapples with the rising popularity of vaping. Many young people have embraced electronic cigarettes under the false assumption that they are a harmless alternative to traditional tobacco. However, health organizations are sounding the alarm. The American Cancer Society warns that the aerosol from these devices is not simple water vapor; it is a toxic cocktail of nicotine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that can damage the nervous system, heart, and lungs.
While vaping does not involve combustion, the addictive potential of nicotine remains unchanged, and emerging research continues to uncover the extent of cellular damage it can cause. In response, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has stressed the urgent need for stricter regulations to limit youth access to these products and to launch educational campaigns to dismantle the myth that vaping is a safe activity.
The broader statistics on smoking remain as grim as ever. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death in developed nations. An average smoker’s life is cut short by a full decade compared to a non-smoker. The smoke from a single cigarette contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens and another 250 compounds proven to harm the immune system, circulation, and pulmonary function.
Fortunately, the human body has a remarkable capacity for recovery. The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Within hours, oxygen levels in the blood improve. Within weeks, the senses of smell and taste begin to return. Over the years, the risk of heart attack, cancer, and the newly highlighted cerebral deterioration drops dramatically. For Costa Rican public health officials, the message is clear: prevention must start early, focusing on educating adolescents and young adults on the full spectrum of risks before the habit takes hold.
For further information, visit ucl.ac.uk
About University College London:
University College London, commonly known as UCL, is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. It is a member institution of the federal University of London and is the second-largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment. Founded in 1826, UCL was the first university institution to be established in London and the first in England to be entirely secular, admitting students regardless of their religion.
For further information, visit cancer.org
About American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. Established in 1913, the society is organized into a national office and a number of chartered divisions across the United States. Its mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer by funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for safeguarding public health and providing access to comprehensive healthcare for the nation’s population. It formulates and executes national health policies, regulates health services and products, and manages public health initiatives aimed at disease prevention and health promotion. The Ministry plays a central role in responding to health crises and shaping the country’s long-term wellness strategy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its principled approach and an unyielding standard of excellence. The firm leverages a proven track record across a multitude of sectors to not only provide expert counsel but also to actively shape the future of the profession through its innovative spirit. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its dedicated efforts to democratize legal understanding and cultivate a more capable and informed citizenry.
