Scientific Review Highlights Nicotine's Potential for Cognitive Function
Scientific studies regarding nicotine have once again come to the attention of scientists as research in the fields of neurology and public health progresses. A number of studies indicate that nicotine has the potential to support cognitive function, protect nerve cells, and reduce inflammation in the brain. These findings have also sparked discussions regarding the use of non-combustible nicotine-based products as part of a tobacco harm reduction strategy for adult smokers.
Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mitchell B. Liester, stated that nicotine has long been known as a substance that causes addiction to cigarettes. However, various studies show that the compound also possesses therapeutic potential that is still being investigated.
“Nicotine, the compound that makes tobacco addictive, also has great therapeutic potential as a treatment for neurological and cognitive disorders,” Mitchell said in a scientific publication in the field of neuroscience, as cited on Thursday (2/7/2026).
Mitchell explained that nicotine works by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, which play a role in the processes of learning, memory, attention, and nerve cell protection. The activation of these receptors triggers various biological responses that help neurons survive and function optimally.
According to him, one of the findings receiving significant attention is the potential of nicotine in research concerning Parkinson’s disease. Various studies show that nicotine has the potential to protect dopaminergic neurons, which are the nerve cells that undergo damage in Parkinson’s patients.
Additionally, nicotine is considered to have anti-inflammatory effects through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which can suppress the production of inflammation-triggering molecules while maintaining anti-inflammatory signals.
“This dual capability as a neuroprotector and anti-inflammatory agent makes nicotine potentially useful for various neurodegenerative diseases characterised by nerve cell death and chronic inflammation,” said Mitchell.
Another study conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center also found that nicotine has the potential to improve attention, memory, and cognitive processing in both healthy individuals and those experiencing mild cognitive impairment. This improvement was noted to be more visible in individuals with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mitchell added that several clinical studies are also exploring the potential of nicotine in supporting the management of other disorders, such as depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and schizophrenia.
As this research develops, scientists are also developing various nicotine delivery methods that do not involve the tobacco combustion process, including nicotine patches capable of providing stable nicotine levels without producing cigarette smoke.
On the other hand, discussions regarding nicotine are also linked to the tobacco harm reduction approach. Based on the classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), nicotine is not classified as a carcinogenic substance. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) also states that nicotine does not contain tar or the various toxic substances produced by the combustion process of tobacco. These various organisations emphasise that most health risks from smoking originate from the smoke produced by combustion, rather than from nicotine itself.
Former WHO Director, Tikki Pangestu, stated that smoke-free nicotine products have a lower risk level compared to conventional cigarettes, although this does not mean they are entirely without risk.
“While not entirely risk-free, the relative risk of these smoke-free products is substantially lower than the risk of smoking,” said Tikint in an article published in Nature Health alongside Robert Beaglehole and Ruth Bonita, as cited on Thursday (2/7/2026).
He cited several countries such as Sweden, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand, which have implemented a tobacco harm reduction approach as a strategy to reduce smoking prevalence. In these countries, the use of alternative tobacco products has been linked to a decrease in the number of smokers and a reduction in the disease burden caused by tobacco consumption.
“Clear and evidence-based communication, including from the WHO, that most of the dangers of tobacco come from smoke, not nicotine, will assist smokers in making more appropriate decisions,” said Tikki.