I have been researching the literature to look into the current knowledge of the effects of smoking on brain health. Thus far, I have seen it implicated in stroke, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, and various other neurodevelopmental conditions.

From what I can see, there are two components of smoke that have been identified: nicotine (acting through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) and the smoking condensate (comprising acrolein, cyanide, carbon monoxide, and an onslaught of oxidative compounds).

By and large, nicotine seems to have a few anti-inflammatory properties and a number of vascular reactive actions.

So, it would seem that most of the noxious effects of smoking are due to the smoking condensate.

Besides the well-recognized cardiopulmonary burden, is it known if the condensate can act directly on the brain? Or at least, which are the main culprits for the effects on the brain?

Thank you!