DEAR ABBY: My patients, like most Americans, believe memory loss is a normal part of aging. But memory loss is never normal. In fact, it can be a symptom of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 1 in 7 people age 65-plus have MCI, but there is no treatment – yet.
I’m proud to lead the NIH-funded MIND (Memory Improvement Through Nicotine Dosing) Study, which is testing whether memory and functioning can be improved in people with mild memory loss using a low-cost and naturally occurring ingredient – nicotine.
Nicotine gets a bad rap. Tar and other chemicals in cigarettes are what cause cancer, heart disease or respiratory illness – not nicotine. If we could push Alzheimer’s back by a few years, it would make a difference for millions of Americans.
The MIND Study is enrolling healthy nonsmokers over the age of 55 with mild memory loss. I hope readers who are interested will call (toll-free) 1-866-MIND-150 or visit MINDStudy.org to receive more information. – PAUL NEWHOUSE, M.D., Project Director, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
DEAR DR. NEWHOUSE: I hope so, too, and that they will be intrigued enough to join your study. I wish you the best of luck.