Use of Nicotine Patch Linked to Improvement in Mild Memory Loss Among Older Adults

The use of a nicotine patch may help improve mild memory loss in older adults, reports a study published in the Jan. 10, 2012, print issue of Neurology — the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Nicotine has been shown to improve cognitive performance in smokers who have stopped smoking. In addition, previous short-term studies with nicotine have revealed improvement of both attention and memory in those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This new study examined nicotine in people with mild cognitive impairment — the stage between normal aging and dementia when people experience mild memory or thinking problems, but no significant disability. For more information, click here to read the full release.