A report from the National Institute of Aging noted that male middle-aged smokers in middle age may be at a higher risk of cognitive decline than men in the same age bracket who don't smoke.

The findings noted that the men and women surveyed averaged 56 years of age and smoked had a more noticeable drop in cognitive abilities than non-smokers did. In addition, those who quit within the past decade had a more significant decline. However, those who had quit more than one decade earlier showed a decline that was comparable to the rest of non-smokers.

Women studied by Dr. Severine Sabia, head of the report, did not show a connection between smoking and cognitive abilities, the report added.

Those consumers who do what they can to stop partaking in unhealthy habits may be able to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's later in life. In addition, they may be eligible for special healthcare benefits due to their wellness practices. If their employer does not offer this in the company's health insurance plan, it could be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes online.