Nicotine And Dementia

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 14 Jul 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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Alzheimer's Society comment on a review of research studies investigating nicotine and dementia, which have been conducted over the last 5 years

'Nicotine has previously been shown to help treat Alzheimer's disease in animal studies. This new review brings together evidence to explain the processes behind this and which types of nerve cells nicotine effects in the brain.

Although nicotine has therapeutic qualities, when it is absorbed through smoking the health risks outweigh the benefits. Smoking increases risk of vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia and is associated with a number of other health risks.

More research is now needed to find a safe and effective treatment for dementia, with the potential benefits of nicotine, but without the health risks.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society