Could nicotine patches lift depression in seniors?
NCT ID NCT05746273
First seen Jan 05, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 26 times
Summary
This study tests whether nicotine patches can improve cognitive control (like focus and memory) and mood in adults aged 60 and older with depression. Sixty participants will wear either a nicotine or placebo patch daily for 12-15 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression severity and brain activity using MRI scans and thinking tests.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hosptial
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
nicotine patch
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to improve thinking and mood in older adults with depression.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 people. Nicotine is addictive and can have side effects like skin irritation or sleep problems.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.