Tag: reserach

  • Clinical Trial Using Nicotine to Combat Memory Loss

    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.

  • U.K. Study to Offer Free E-Cigs to Homeless Smokers

    U.K. Study to Offer Free E-Cigs to Homeless Smokers

    A new study being conducted in the U.K. will offer homeless people free e-cigarette starter packs. The trial is aimed at helping them quit smoking. An estimated 70 percent of homeless people smoke combustible cigarettes, according to research from University of East Anglia (UEA).

    homeless man smoking
    Credit: Mat Hayward

    Homeless centers in five parts of the UK including London, Scotland and Wales will provide 480 contributors with starter kits or care group sessions, according to the BBC. The study will assess if e-cigarettes help participants quit smoking and whether it offers them value for money.

    Half of the contributors will be offered the e-cigarettes, while the other 240 people will be allocated to a care group. The project is being led by London South Bank University (LSBU) and University College London. Lynne Dawkins, a professor with LSBU, said that in an earlier trial the kits “worked well” and staff at homeless centers were able to support the study.

    The £1.7m project has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is in collaboration with UEA, Kings College London, Queen Mary University of London, the University of York, Cardiff University, the University of Stirling and the University of Edinburgh. Caitlin Notley, a professor with UEA, said studies suggested e-cigarettes were “more helpful” than nicotine gum or patches when people tried to stop smoking.

    “If we find that providing free e-cigarette starter kits helps people to quit, homeless centers could decide to adopt this approach in future, to help reduce the impact of smoking-related diseases on the homeless,” she said.