Nicotine patch trial aims to boost memory in seniors

NCT ID NCT02720445

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Southern California Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether daily nicotine patches could improve memory and daily function in 348 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants wore either a nicotine patch (up to 21 mg) or a placebo patch for two years. The goal was to see if nicotine, known to affect brain receptors linked to memory, could help slow or improve thinking problems.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nicotine transdermal patch
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment that slows memory decline in people with mild cognitive impairment.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with moderate size, so results are not definitive. Nicotine can be addictive and may cause side effects like skin irritation or sleep problems.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Augusta University Movement and Memory Disorders

Augusta, Georgia, 30912, United States
Brain Matters Research

Delray Beach, Florida, 33445, United States
Brain Matters Research

Stuart, Florida, 34997, United States
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System

North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, United States
Central States Research (formerly Tulsa Clinical Research)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104, United States
Georgetown University

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 200072145, United States
Glenn Biggs Institute at the University of Texas Health

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
Headlands Eastern MA LLC

Plymouth, Massachusetts, 02360, United States
Houston Methodist Neurological Institute

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
Integrative Clinical Trials

New York, New York, 11229, United States
JEM Research Institute

Atlantis, Florida, 33462, United States
Kingfisher Cooperative, LLC

Spokane, Washington, 99202, United States
LeHigh Valley Hospital

Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18105, United States
Miami Jewish Health Systems

Miami, Florida, 33137, United States
Mount Sinai School of Medicine

New York, New York, 100296552, United States
Neurology Clinic, P.C.

Cordova, Tennessee, 38018, United States
New York University Medical Center

New York, New York, 100166055, United States
Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, 606113010, United States
Nuvance Health Medical Practice Ct, Inc.; Associated Neurologists, PC

Danbury, Connecticut, 06810, United States
Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States
Perseverance Research Center

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85254, United States
Providence Brain and Spine Institute

Portland, Oregon, 97225, United States
Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

Charleston, South Carolina, 294011113, United States
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States
Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center

San Diego, California, 92123, United States
Syrentis Clinical Research

Santa Ana, California, 92705, United States
USC Rancho Los Amigos

Downey, California, 90242, United States
University at Buffalo (UBMD)

Buffalo, New York, 14203, United States
University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
University of Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, United States
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
Velocity Clinical Research - Boise

Meridian, Idaho, 83642, United States
Velocity Clinical Research - Syracuse

East Syracuse, New York, 13057, United States
Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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