Nicotine, which is present in tobacco, is currently being studied for its ability to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. This substance is what makes smoking addictive. Some research indicates that it might momentarily enhance cognitive function and attention.
It seems that smoking and nicotine have different effects on cognitive health. Although evidence suggests that smoking tobacco may be linked to Alzheimer’s, nicotine may temporarily improve memory and cognitive performance.
Smoking damages blood vessels, making it an established risk factor for dementia, particularly vascular dementia.
Research is underway to explore whether nicotine, a natural component of tobacco, can enhance cognitive performance. It may have protective effects against Alzheimer’s and cognitive loss, according to some researchers.
However, there is little evidence to say if nicotine helps with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. That’s because the majority of the studies on this subject have either been of low quality, have utilized animals rather than people, or have concentrated on people without Alzheimer’s. Therefore, further research is required to establish nicotine’s status as beneficial.
Does nicotine raise the Alzheimer’s risk?
The link between nicotine and Alzheimer’s is currently unclear. According to some research, nicotine may temporarily enhance memory and focus. On the other hand, chronic cigarette smoking may result in a decrease in cognitive or thinking abilities as well as a higher Alzheimer’s risk [1].
Although studies indicate that smoking can increase Alzheimer’s risk, there has been little research into the exact function of isolated nicotine in the absence of the other substances associated with smoking.
An older review found insufficient high-quality studies on nicotine and Alzheimer’s to determine whether it has a positive or negative effect [2]. Furthermore, the outcomes of the existing research are not entirely consistent.
As a result, researchers are looking into the effectiveness of nicotine patches in delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s [3]. Nevertheless, it is still unknown if nicotine increases or decreases the risk of this disease or cognitive deterioration.
Does smoking increase Alzheimer’s risk?
There is notable evidence that the consumption of tobacco, which contains nicotine, raises Alzheimer’s risk [4].
Research indicates that smoking exposes a person to many dangerous substances that can lead to vascular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress [5]. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause inflammation in cells, which is one of the reasons associated with the onset of Alzheimer‘s. Furthermore, smoking is known to increase the risk of vascular problems, such as brain microbleeds and strokes, which both lead to dementia [6, 7].
Is nicotine good or bad for memory?
This question currently does not have a clear answer. Several studies and reviews are looking into the short-term and long-term effects of nicotine on memory.
One of the research investigations is the Memory Improvement via Nicotine Dosing (MIND) study [8]. This significant trial is evaluating the effects of nicotine on people with mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The goal of the MIND trial is to ascertain whether nicotine can prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer’s from MCI. However, because the trial is still underway, limited evidence is available.
How does nicotine impact Alzheimer’s?
According to some research, nicotine by itself, without smoking, may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. Some researchers claim that nicotine could improve memory and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s patients, but this conclusion is mostly theoretical [9].
By stimulating particular pathways in the brain and nervous system known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), nicotine may enhance cognitive performance. These receptors react to nicotine and a substance known as acetylcholine.
A decline in acetylcholine activity is part of the Alzheimer’s disease process, and certain drugs used to treat the illness raise acetylcholine activity levels. This is among the explanations for why some people think nicotine might be a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, the topic has gained attention due to reports of short-term improvements in memory and attention.
Some people experience exhilaration or improved moods as a result of nicotine’s addictive properties. Whether mood enhancement has a short-term positive impact on cognitive function or whether nicotine directly influences brain function is unclear.
The possible effects of nicotine on memory, however, require further study. As of right now, there is no clinical proof that nicotine could prevent or delay Alzheimer’s or any other kind of dementia in humans.
Could nicotine be used to treat Alzheimer’s?
Although there is currently not enough proof to support nicotine’s effectiveness as a treatment for Alzheimer’s, there is an interest in pursuing further research on the topic. This covers both animal-based and some human-based research.
According to a 2021 review of earlier studies, nicotine may help prevent Alzheimer’s by maintaining cognitive function as people age [10]. However, more investigation is required to verify whether this is effective.
Since nicotine might induce side effects, more research is needed to determine whether it is safe or easily tolerable for Alzheimer’s patients. The side effects include nausea, lightheadedness, nicotine addiction, and trouble sleeping [11].
Should you try nicotine patches?
No, medical professionals do not currently advise using nicotine patches as a self-medication for Alzheimer’s. Nicotine may cause problems with sleep, addiction, and poisoning, and there is not enough data to support its potential health benefits.
Before beginning any new supplement, alternative therapy, or treatment, it is always best to speak with a doctor.
Some research implies that nicotine may improve cognition in particular situations. Nevertheless, there is no proof that nicotine patches, which can aid in quitting smoking, are a safe or effective way to treat Alzheimer’s.
A doctor can offer tailored medical recommendations based on the patient’s medical history, present health, and current situations. They can assess the potential benefits and hazards of nicotine therapy based on the individual’s personal situation.
A doctor can also look at different therapy options for cognitive difficulties or memory impairment that are more suited to the person’s needs and health objectives.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
References
- Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C. and Costafreda, S.G., 2020. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), pp.413-446.
- López‐Arrieta, J., Sanz, F.J.F. and Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, 1996. Nicotine for Alzheimer’s disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(7).
- WhyNicotine. The Mind Study. Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine. https://www.vumc.org/ccm/whynicotine. Accessed: 7th February, 2025.
- Smoking and the risk of dementia. Alzheimer’s Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/smoking. Accessed: 7th February, 2024.
- World Health Organization, 2014. Tobacco Use Knowledge Summaries: Tobacco Use and Dementia. Accessed: 7th February, 2025.
- Cho, S., Rehni, A.K. and Dave, K.R., 2021. Tobacco use: a major risk factor of intracerebral hemorrhage. Journal of stroke, 23(1), pp.37-50.
- Pan, B., Jin, X., Jun, L., Qiu, S., Zheng, Q. and Pan, M., 2019. The relationship between smoking and stroke: a meta-analysis. Medicine, 98(12), p.e14872.
- The MIND Study. https://mindstudy.org/. Accessed: 7th February, 2025.
- Alhowail, A., 2021. Molecular insights into the benefits of nicotine on memory and cognition. Molecular Medicine Reports, 23(6), pp.1-6.
- Nop, O., Senft Miller, A., Culver, H., Makarewicz, J. and Dumas, J.A., 2021. Nicotine and cognition in cognitively normal older adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, p.640674.
- Nicotine Side Effects. Tobacco Free Life. https://tobaccofreelife.org/why-quit-smoking/smoking-effects/nicotine-effects/. Accessed: 7th February, 2025.
- Sherrell, Z. Is there a link between nicotine and Alzheimer’s disease? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nicotine-and-alzheimers. Updated Online: 17th January, 2025. Accessed: 10th February, 2025.
- Pedersen, T. Can Nicotine Help Prevent Dementia Alzheimer’s? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/nicotine-and-alzheimers. Published Online: 18th September, 2023. Accessed: 10th February, 2025.
