Clinical Trial Using Nicotine to Combat Memory Loss
Credit: Duster 112
A groundbreaking new clinical trial taking place at Georgetown University that is studying the use of nicotine to treat memory loss.
Georgetown University’s Clinical Trials Manager, Angelica Forero, said the study is personal for her. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Forero. “In my family, I have my grandmother who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”
Her grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease is inspiring her to find a cure. It’s called the “(MIND) study.”
“Don’t be afraid, nicotine has been around for a very long time. Nicotine is not bad, what is bad is the tar and chemicals used in cigarettes. Nicotine does not cause cancer or heart disease or respiratory illnesses,” Forero told abcNews7.
Forero maintains nicotine has been used for more than 30 years for conditions like Parkinson’s, depression, mental illness and now memory loss.
“So, we know that nicotine stimulates areas of the brain associated with memory and attention,” said Forero, adding thar they need more participants from minority communities.
“Hispanic and Black communities are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and memory impairment, higher than white adults. You make a difference. Whether you are Hispanic or Latino or Black or white, you make a difference in participating in clinical trials. The more people that we get, the better because we learn more about it and we just hope that it will become an approved treatment for mild memory loss just as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Forero.
The MIND study is a guided trial, not something individuals should try in any form on their own. Click here to learn more.
There is no cost to take part in the MIND study, and Georgetown University will cover transportation costs for you to come to the 12 visits that are required. It’s a two-year commitment for participants in the trial.