World Brain Day: Cognitive Health, Smoking And Nicotine

On World Brain Day 2024, smokers are being encouraged to quit smoking to reduce their risk of developing dementia. Cigarette smoking negatively affects multiple functions, and it is recommended to quit smoking to preserve your brain health.

On the subject of cognitive health, there appears to be a difference between traditional tobacco smoking and nicotine. Chronic smoking is a known risk factor for dementia, especially vascular dementia, due to its harm to blood vessels.

Conversely, nicotine, a naturally occurring substance found in tobacco, is being assessed for its potential to enhance cognitive function. Researchers are exploring whether nicotine can offer protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

While nicotine itself doesn’t cause dementia, the act of smoking tobacco is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia as you grow older.

The harmful substances in tobacco smoke can lead to cell inflammation, factors linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, smoking increases the chances of vascular issues like strokes and brain microbleeds, both of which enhance the chances of dementia occurrence.

Can nicotine use prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia?

It is suggested by some research that nicotine itself, independent of smoking, may improve cognition and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.

Nicotine can help cognition by interacting with the brain’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These receptors regulate various cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and learning.

A study investigated transdermal nicotine (delivered via patch or topical application) as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease, targeting nicotinic cholinergic receptors. In the trial, nicotine significantly improved attention, episodic memory, and overall functioning with minimal side effects in MCI participants.

What are the benefits of nicotine, if any?

While nicotine is frequently linked with the harmful effects of tobacco use, it also offers specific benefits:

Improved levels of alertness, euphoria, and relaxation
Enhanced concentration and memory — due to increased activity of the acetylcholine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters
Lowered anxiety — due to increased levels of beta-endorphin, which reduces anxiety

All of this illustrates the necessity of research on the nicotine molecule outside of the combustion of tobacco.