Study to Take First Look at Effect of Nicotine Patches on Memory Impairment

Researchers at three universities will conduct the first study ever to examine whether nicotine patches are effective in treating mild cognitive impairment.

The American Academy of Neurology recently identified mild cognitive impairment as a possible precursor of Alzheimer's disease. The condition causes forgetfulness, but is not accompanied by the disorientation, confusion and impaired judgment typical of Alzheimer's disease. However, studies suggest that if left untreated, 12 percent of mild cognitive impairment patients will convert to Alzheimer's disease each year.

Dr. Paul Newhouse, director of the Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, will lead the research effort, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Institute on Aging.

Newhouse gained international recognition several years ago for his research examining the effects of nicotine on motor and cognitive skills in Parkinson's disease patients.

Starting this fall, researchers plan to enroll 75 men and women at three sites: the University of Vermont, Duke University and Georgetown University.

Participants will undergo a process similar to that used in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, including interviews with family members, physician examinations and computerized testing.

For the first six months, participants will receive either a nicotine or placebo patch. Then, for the next six months, all participants will receive a nicotine patch. Participants will be evaluated at varying intervals.

Other sources: University of Vermont