Smoking can help to improve memory

July 4, 2011

Specialists of South Florida University have found interest tobacco characteristics. It is referred to cotinine - main by-product of nicotine that is produced as result of metabolic activity. It appeared that it is able to improve memory. Besides, cotinine protects nerve cells and prevents Alzheimer disease progression. But at the moment effect of this substance was checked only on animals.

However, doctors mark that according to statistics smoking people much less suffer of central nervous system diseases. Also among them are rarer marked disturbance of motor function.

Medics mark that effect of cigarettes itself and of tar that they contain "compensate" positive effect from cotinine. Smokers have their own diseases that is why scientists don't recommend to start smoking in order to improve memory.

At present moment researchers have started to develop preparations on cotinine bases. This substance is not toxic and doesn't have side effects. Already created trial portions of the medicine have improved attention and have allowed developing short term memory of mice. Next in turn are experiences on people.