Nicotine patch improves mild cognitive impairment, study finds

Using a nicotine patch may help improve mild memory loss in older adults, according to a recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study involved 74 people with an average age of 76 who had mild cognitive impairment and were not smokers. Half of the participants received a nicotine patch of 15 mg per day for six months and half received a placebo. The participants took several tests of memory and thinking skills at the start of the study and again after three and six months.

After six months of treatment, the nicotine-treated group regained 46 percent of normal performance for age on long-term memory, whereas the placebo group worsened by 26 percent over the same time period, researchers said.

While the study’s authors noted that nicotine stimulates receptors in the brain that are important for thinking and memory skills, they cautioned against unsupervised use of the substance.

“People with mild memory loss should not start smoking or using nicotine patches by themselves, because there are harmful effects of smoking and a medication such as nicotine should only be used with a doctor's supervision,” said study author Paul Newhouse, MD, of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “But this study provides strong justification for further research into the use of nicotine for people with early signs of memory loss.

“We do not know whether benefits persist over long periods of time and provide meaningful improvement."

There were no serious side effects for the people receiving the nicotine patch, researchers said.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Pfizer Inc., provided the transdermal nicotine patches.

I Advance Senior Care

I Advance Senior Care is the industry-leading source for practical, in-depth, business-building, and resident care information for owners, executives, administrators, and directors of nursing at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, post-acute facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The I Advance Senior Care editorial team and industry experts provide market analysis, strategic direction, policy commentary, clinical best-practices, business management, and technology breakthroughs.

I Advance Senior Care is part of the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and published by Plain-English Health Care.