Nicotine patches can improve the memory of elderly patients in the early stages of mental decline, according to new research.
The
pilot study, although too small to provide clinically conclusive
results, found the patches improved memory, attention and mental
processing in those with mild memory problems.
The research has prompted new interest in whether nicotine could be
used to develop treatments to delay the onset of Alzheimer's and other
forms of dementia.
Scientists in the US monitored a group of 67 people with mild
cognitive impairment (MCI) over a period of six months, carrying out
memory and "thinking skill" tests to assess their mental function.
Half of the participants, whose average age was 76, were given a
daily nicotine skin patch, contacting 15 milligrams of the drug.
The others were asked to wear a placebo patch, containing no active medication.
By the end of the six months, the nicotine-treated group had regained
46% of normal long-term memory for their age. Their ability to pay
attention had also improved.
No comments:
Post a Comment