The Liz Moody Podcast

Is Nicotine Actually...Good for You? New Research on Memory, Focus, and Mental Health

Sep 24, 2025
Guest
Dr. Paul Newhouse
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Paul Newhouse, a renowned neuroscientist from Vanderbilt University, explores the unexpected benefits of nicotine on brain health. He uncovers how nicotine differs from harmful tobacco and highlights findings from the groundbreaking MIND Trial related to Alzheimer's. Dr. Newhouse discusses its potential to enhance focus and alleviate depression while addressing its role in ADHD. He also sheds light on the low addiction risk of nicotine patches and urges listeners to reconsider long-held beliefs about nicotine's safety and efficacy.
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INSIGHT

Nicotine Modulates Brain States

  • Nicotine acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and modulates brain circuits to amplify or dampen activity.
  • It can both calm someone who is anxious and increase alertness if they are too drowsy.
INSIGHT

Nicotine ≠ Tobacco Harm

  • Nicotine is necessary for the reinforcing effects of smoking but is not the only factor in tobacco harm.
  • Early evidence suggests nicotine alone can be given long-term to non-smokers without detectable negative health effects so far.
ADVICE

Prefer Patches For Safer Use

  • Use transdermal nicotine patches for slow, steady absorption rather than fast inhalation methods to reduce abuse risk.
  • Nicotine patches produce little reinforcing pleasure and don't appear addictive in these slow-dose studies.
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