Posted April 9, 2011
Most smokers pick up the habit as teens and a new study from UCLA shows it may alter the still-developing part of the brain responsible for decision making.
Researchers studied the prefrontal cortex, which continues to mature into early adulthood, and controls functions such as planning, decision making and the ability to delay gratification.
Using MRI imaging, while having both smoking and non-smoking teens perform a test, researchers found that the smokers had less activity in the prefrontal cortex. That was most true of the teens most addicted to nicotine.
“As the prefrontal cortex continues to develop during the critical period of adolescence, smoking may influence the trajectory of brain development, affecting the function of the prefrontal cortex,” said Dr. Edythe London, a professor of psychiatry and senior author of the study. “In turn, if the prefrontal cortex is negatively impacted, a teen may be more likely to start smoking and to keep smoking – instead of making the decision that would favor a healthier life.”
