Humans have been using tobacco as a drug for more than 12,000 years. It wasn’t until the early-20th century that the link between tobacco and lung cancer (and other health problems) was established, as discussed in this article by People’s Pharmacy.

During the 1950’s, several scientific studies in the UK resulted in doctors first acknowledging the adverse health effects of tobacco use.

For those looking to lessen/quit tobacco use, one of the remedies offered as a deterrent is a nicotine patch. A newly-developed patch stimulates acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital to bodily functions such as muscle movement and control, as well as certain cognitive functions.

What originally began as an aid designed to help people quit smoking could potentially become a treatment to help delay the onset of dementia, or mitigate its symptoms in those living with it.

About Acetylcholine

The compound came to the forefront in the 1970s when researchers began to identify acetylcholine deficiency as one of the problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease; its function in the nervous system is to carry signals from one cell to another, especially in the skeletomuscular system.

Further into their research, the team found a deficiency of acetylcholine in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. As nicotine stimulates the brain’s acetylcholine receptors, the Alzheimer’s Society suggested a patch stimulating acetylcholine receptors may reduce dementia risk. However, it was quickly realized that typical nicotine transdermal (skin) patches would not be beneficial.

Several small studies during the past decade gave further indication in regards to the potential neuropsychological and clinical value of chronic transdermal nicotine in AAMI.

The MIND Study

The first large study of nicotine patches for mild cognitive impairment is the Memory Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing (MIND) study that is scheduled for completion this year.

Note that anyone contemplating this approach must arrange a consultation with their doctor to avoid interaction with other prescribed Alzheimer’s medications.

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