Short Wave

Science Says Quitting Smoking At Any Age Is Good For The Brain

October 17, 2025

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  • Quitting smoking later in life, even in middle age or older, is still beneficial and may lower the risk for dementia by improving cognitive scores compared to those who never quit. 
  • Smoking can negatively impact brain health by damaging small blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow, which can lead to cognitive decline and potential strokes. 
  • Playing recordings of mothers reading to premature babies in the NICU may promote more mature white matter development in key language areas of the brain, suggesting sound intervention can aid early language development. 

Segments

Sponsor Message and Introduction
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Short Wave episode features Mary Louise Kelly discussing science news, including smoking cessation benefits.
  • Summary: The episode opens with sponsor messages before hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong introduce guest Mary Louise Kelly from All Things Considered. They announce the main topics will cover the benefits of quitting smoking, language development in preterm babies, and an urban animal mystery.
Quitting Smoking Benefits Brain
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(00:01:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Quitting smoking at any age, even in older adulthood, improves cognitive scores and may lower dementia risk by protecting brain blood vessels.
  • Summary: A new study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity tracked over 9,000 smokers, finding that those who quit, even in middle or older age, scored better on cognitive tests than those who continued smoking. Smoking damages small brain blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow, which affects cognitive decline. This benefit aligns with known cardiovascular advantages, as what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.
Preterm Language Development Sound
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(00:04:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Playing recordings of mothers reading to preterm babies in the NICU resulted in more mature white matter in key language areas of the brain.
  • Summary: Preterm babies (born before 37 weeks) face higher risks for language delays because they miss out on constant auditory input of speech sounds experienced in the womb. Researchers played recordings of mothers reading Paddington Bear for 160 minutes nightly to 46 preemies. Babies receiving this sound intervention showed structural brain benefits compared to the control group, leading the hospital to offer recording opportunities to all preemie parents.
Chicago Rat Hole Mystery Solved
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(00:06:57)
  • Key Takeaway: Scientific analysis of measurements from the viral Chicago Rat Hole imprint concluded the shape was made by a squirrel, not a rat.
  • Summary: A viral social media sensation involved a concrete imprint in Chicago resembling a rat, attracting public attention and even a wedding ceremony. Zoologists used pictures of the imprint, which was later removed, to take body measurements. By comparing these measurements to taxidermy specimens of various small mammals, researchers scientifically determined the imprint belonged to a squirrel.
Episode Wrap-up and Credits
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(00:09:23)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to explore the natural world through science.
  • Summary: The hosts thank Mary Louise Kelly and mention her other work on the ‘Consider This’ podcast. Production and engineering credits are then listed for the Short Wave episode. The segment ends with final sponsor messages.