SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse researchers are launching a study to determine if the same substance that gets people hooked on cigarettes can improve mental performance in older adults with memory loss.

The clinical trial at SUNY Upstate Medical University will see if a nicotine patch can boost memory in people with mild cognitive impairment. That disorder affects memory and other thinking skills. People diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment are at higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, being conducted by Upstate’s Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, is using the same kind of nicotine skin patches used to help people quit smoking.

Nicotine has long been vilified because of its association with smoking and addiction. But several studies show the substance may be good for the brain. Nicotine has been shown to improve attention, learning and memory.

The trial at Upstate is part of a national study funded by the National Institute of Aging.

A small 2012 study showed nicotine patches can improve mental performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In that study, 70 volunteers, all non-smokers, wore a nicotine patch or a placebo patch for six months. People with the nicotine patches showed significant improvement in memory, attention and cognition. The study also found the nicotine patch was safe to use and there were no serious side effects of nicotine withdrawal.

The national study will involve 300 volunteers.

Upstate is seeking healthy, non-smoking adults, 55 and older, who have noticed changes in their memory. People who participate in the study will be placed on a nicotine patch or a placebo patch.

Anyone interested in participating in the trial can call (315) 464-3285 or email GeriResearch@upstate.edu.

James T. Mulder covers health news. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com

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