[A. Pole]

But one potential upside was discovered recently when research suggested that cigarette smoking may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Not just recently. It was known for a long time that there are much fewer smokers among Alzheimer victims. And the same applies to Parkinson.

Most of the risk associated with tobacco is caused by inhaling smoke. So the benefits from cigars and pipes (which you use without inhaling) can be bigger than risk.

[MalcolmS]

>>>Not just recently. It was known for a long time that there are much fewer smokers among Alzheimer victims. And the same applies to Parkinson. <<<

That's true. As a result, I've been saying for a while that if I ever think I'm coming down with Alzheimer symptoms, I'm going on the Nicotine patch. If I can remember to, of course . . .