However, the Northumbria University study also found that giving up the habit can restore the ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as non-smokers.

Everyday memory refers to memory operations routinely occur in a person's daily environment. For example, recalling plans for the day, remembering names, not forgetting items that needs to be purchased, the medications to be taken etc.

For the latest study, the researchers recruited more than 70 people aged between 18 and 25 years who were participated in a tour of the university's campus.

Those who took part were asked to recall small details, such as music acts listed to play at the students’ union and tasks completed at various points -- known as real world memory test.

Smokers performed badly, remembering just 59 per cent of tasks, the Daily Mail reported.
However, those who had given up smoking remembered 74 per cent, while those who had never smoked recalled 81 per cent of tasks.

According Dr Tom Heffernan, head of the University's Drug and Alcohol Research Group, the findings would be useful in anti-smoking campaigns.

Given that there are millions of smokers in the world, it’s important to understand the effects smoking has on everyday cognitive function, of which prospective memory is an excellent example, he said.

"This is the first time that a study has set out to examine whether giving up smoking has impact on memory.

"We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits for the body, but this study also shows how stopping smoking can have knock-on benefits for cognitive functions too," he added.

Dr Heffernan and his team will now research the impact of second-hand smoke on health and everyday memory.