Nicotine Slows Parkinson's Disease, 40% lower risk for Parkinson's disease

[The Straight Story]

Nicotine Slows Parkinson's Disease
Study in Monkeys Suggests the Drug May Help if Given Early
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 11, 2006 -- Nicotine protects brain cells most affected by Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease, studies in monkeys show.

The findings, by Maryka Quik, PhD, and colleagues at The Parkinson's Institute in California, indicate nicotine might slow Parkinson's if given very early in the disease process.

They also help explain why cigarette smokers get Parkinson's disease less often than nonsmokers.

Parkinson's disease occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine -- an important chemical messenger -- die off.

Nicotine may protect these cells from toxic damage.

http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20060811/nicotine-slows-parkinsons-disease

[Warpy]

1. So, deliver nicotine by patch, gum or lozenge

It's not like anybody has to SMOKE the stuff, maybe avoid Parkinsons but spend a miserable 20 years gasping for every breath they take.

[mykpart]

2. Do you work for the tobacco lobby?

Why all the threads about how great nicotine is for you?

[The Straight Story]

3. I was bored

And no, I work for a bank.

I like to research things from time to time, and I rarely come across just one item of interest.

[walldude]

4. Really, really bored.. 2 smoking threads in one night

Well, I'll probably never get Parkinsons ;) One less person for Rush and Rudy to pick on.

edit: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: you are going to die of boredom if you aren't careful...

[The Straight Story]

5. Taking a break from coding :)

Gets to me after a bit.

My wife has parkinsons, so I think I will go out and get her a pack :)

[silverlib]

6. I really enjoy your breaks!

I've always said - everything in moderation - of course I've never been a moderate person. I really enjoy it when you kick stuff around.

[Critters2]

7. Some idiot told this ti my dad, and he has always refused to quit

smoking because of this--his father died of Parkinson's. He's used this as his excuse to smoke for years. Finally, around Christmas time, his doctor really hammered him about his smoking. My dad gave him this excuse, and the doc said he's past the age where he'd develop Parkinson's --that is, he'd have it by now if he was going to get it. So, my dad agreed to a combination therapy of zyban to stop the urges, and nicotine lozenges for times he can't.

And it's pleasant to be around my dad for a change.

[NMMNG]

8. Maybe that's why my grandmother and grandfather never got Parkinson's

Of course she died of lung cancer and he's had Emphysema since his 30's but hey, no Parkinson's.

[Imagevision]

9. What % would stem-cell research slow down Parkinson's disease??