Smoking and Cognitive and Mental Disorders: Evaluation of This Relationship in Elderly People in the Municipality of Porto Alegre – RS/Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare elderly smokers with elderly nonsmokers and to assess the prevalence of disorders in groups of current smokers, nonsmokers, and patients who have quit smoking. Theoretical Framework: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for a series of chronic diseases and debilitating conditions, including cognitive and mental disorders. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to these impacts due to the coexistence of multiple comorbidities and the natural aging of the central nervous system (CNS). Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted in the city of Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the elderly population (60 years or older) registered in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Results and Discussion: In terms of current smoking, men (25.2%) tend to smoke more than women (18.4%), which is confirmed throughout their lives, representing 73.3% and 45.7%, respectively. Research Implications: The research can help to identify elderly individuals who are at greater risk of developing cognitive and mental disorders due to smoking early. This enables early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs integrated with psychological and psychiatric support. Originality/Value: The research focuses on a specific population — elderly individuals from Porto Alegre —, which allows for detailed analysis of a demographic group that is often underrepresented in studies on smoking and mental health.