When walking down a busy city street, individuals may think very little of passing a fellow pedestrian puffing on a cigarette or a truck releasing a thick plume of exhaust. However, those who are concerned about maintaining a healthy brain later in life may want to pay more attention to the types of substances they expose their lungs to, as new research shows that healthy lungs are linked to better thinking functions.

The results of a recent Ohio State University study show a connection between healthy lungs and the brain's ability to solve problems and process information later in life. Researchers discovered the link after analyzing data from a Swedish study on reduced pulmonary function and its effects on participants.

As a result, the researchers recommend people do whatever they can to keep their lungs healthy now so their cognitive abilities do not suffer in the future.

"Maintaining an exercise routine and stopping smoking would be two primary methods," said Charles Emery, a professor of psychology at the University and the study's lead author. "Nutritional factors and minimizing environmental exposure to pollutants also come into play."

Based on these findings, individuals who are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution may want to take an IQ test to see how their cognitive functions are coping.