Stop smoking and cut down alcohol

How does smoking affect brain health?

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body—including the brain. It reduces blood flow and oxygen to brain cells, increases inflammation, and damages blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to:

• A higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
• Faster cognitive decline, such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Greater risk of stroke, which can also cause vascular dementia
• People who breathe in second hand smoke regularly are more likely to get the same diseases as smokers

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Quit smoking—it's never too late. Your brain and body begin to heal almost immediately

✔ Speak to your GP or pharmacist about making a referral to your local stop smoking service. You can also refer yourself for support

✔ You are 3 times more likely to quit with support from your local stop smoking service

✔ Stay active—regular physical activity supports brain health and helps manage cravings

How does alcohol affect brain health?

Drinking too much alcohol over time can damage the brain and increase the risk of dementia in many ways. Alcohol can cause:

• Brain shrinkage through damage to brain cells
• Increased risk of stroke through damage to the heart and circulatory system
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency which can lead to Korsakoff's dementia (opens in new tab)
• Increased the risk of head injuries related to intoxication, such as accidents and assaults.

If someone you love still believes one glass of wine at night is harmless for the brain, this 1 minute 39 second video from Neil K. Shar is the one to share with them.

What can we do to reduce this risk?

Even small changes can make a big difference:

✔ Stick to the UK guidelines: no more than 14 units per week

✔ Have alcohol-free days each week

✔ Get support if you're finding it hard to cut down

What support is available in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire?

Your Health Notts

A free, friendly stop smoking service for Nottinghamshire residents aged 12 and over. The 12-week programme provides personalised support from trained advisors, including one-to-one guidance, nicotine replacement therapy, stop smoking medications, drop-in sessions, and telephone support. Support is also available for people who use chewing tobacco or shisha.

Thriving Nottingham

Free stop smoking support for Nottingham city residents aged 12 and over. The service combines one-to-one support from trained stop smoking mentors with free quit aids, including nicotine replacement therapies and e-cigarettes, to help people quit successfully. Participants also receive access to a 12-week digital programme featuring interactive videos, practical advice, wellbeing resources, and an online gym, helping improve overall health while becoming smoke free.

NHS Better Health

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your brain and overall health. The NHS Better Health Quit Smoking website provides free, expert support, including personalised quit plans, practical advice, and access to local stop smoking services. Whether you're thinking about quitting or ready to stop for good, you'll find tools and guidance to help you succeed.

Change Grow Live

An all-age service to everyone living in Nottinghamshire who is experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol. We approach treatment with an open mind, free from judgement. We focus care on the needs of the individual, respecting and supporting their choices so they feel safe, valued, and cared about.

Nottingham Recovery Network

Free, confidential help and treatment for anyone affected by drugs or alcohol in Nottingham City. Getting support from Nottingham Recovery Network couldn’t be easier. We offer a free drop‑in service from Monday to Saturday and an online referral system.

Alcohol service listings – Your Notts Directory

Find information and services for alcohol support across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and the UK.

Drinkaware

Drinkaware is an independent UK charity that provides trusted information, advice, and practical tools to help people understand the effects of alcohol on their health and wellbeing. Download the MyDrinkaware App: to help you drink less (opens in new tab)

Check air quality and reduce your exposure to air pollution

Enter your postcode to check air quality in your area, learn how to reduce your exposure to air pollution and set up air quality alert text or email messages.

Website: Where do you want to check? - Check air quality (GOV.UK) (opens in new tab)

Information for professionals

• Ask about smoking status during appropriate interactions
• Refer individuals to Thriving Nottingham or Your Health Notts. Both services are friendly, confidential, and proven to triple chances of quitting.
• Stop smoking (Thriving Nottingham) (opens in new tab)
• Quit smoking (Your Health Notts) (opens in new tab)
• Encourage eligible people to attend their NHS Health Check.
• Stay up to date with the latest guidance on smoking cessation and dementia risk reduction. Find out more by visiting, Tobacco control Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (Nottinghamshire Insight) (opens in new tab)
• Promote safe drinking guidelines in community settings. Find out more by visiting, Substance misuse: Young people and Adults Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (Nottinghamshire Insight) (opens in new tab)

· Be aware of what the Councils are doing towards improving air quality. Find out more, go to Environment - air quality (Nottingham Insight) (opens in new tab)