Study Reveals the Role of Nicotine in Memory and Cognitive Functions

Illustration. (Photo: Dok. Antara)

JAKARTA - The ability to remember information, maintain concentration, and process things quickly is an important part of human cognitive function. Interestingly, a scientific study entitled "Molecular Insights into the Benefits of Nicotine on Memory and Cognition", shows that nicotine has a role in affecting thinking ability (cognitive function) through biological mechanisms that occur in the brain. This finding opens up a wider discussion about nicotine from a scientific perspective.

Ahmad Alhowail from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia explained that nicotine can help improve cognitive disorders in Alzheimer's patients as well as memory and movement disorders in Parkinson's patients. Nicotine works by affecting various mechanisms in the brain that play a role in the process of learning, remembering information, and maintaining the health of nerve cells, so it can help maintain cognitive function.

In addition to diseases of decreased nerve function, nicotine has also been found to have the potential to help improve memory disorders caused by an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), sleep deprivation, and chronic stress. In healthy individuals, nicotine can support the process of memory formation and improve the brain's ability to store information through various biological mechanisms related to intercellular communication.

"Although nicotine has characteristics that can potentially cause dependence if used in the wrong way and dose, nicotine also has a number of benefits, including improving cognitive function in healthy individuals and helping to restore memory function in patients with diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and hypothyroidism," said Ahmad Alhowail quoted Thursday, July 2.

Responding to the results of the study, the Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan, assessed that the findings needed to be understood proportionally based on scientific evidence. As a representative of a container that shelters consumers of alternative tobacco products containing nicotine, according to him, non-smokers, adolescents, and vulnerable groups should not use products containing nicotine.

Paido emphasized that his party supports the delivery of objective and balanced information regarding nicotine. On the one hand, the public has the right to know the development of research that shows the potential benefits of nicotine. But on the other hand, nicotine is still an addictive substance whose use must be carried out responsibly and limited to adult consumers such as smokers and consumers of alternative tobacco products.

"We see the results of research on the potential benefits of nicotine on cognitive function and memory as part of a legitimate scientific discussion, but it must be read carefully and not exaggerated," said Paido.

Furthermore, Paido emphasized that legal nicotine products, including alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, should be positioned as a transition option for adult smokers who want to switch from cigarettes and not for non-smokers. However, quitting smoking is still the best option. Therefore, he encourages increased risk literacy so that the public can understand nicotine comprehensively and make informed decisions.

"So, the potential benefits of nicotine in scientific studies should not be used as an excuse for indiscriminate consumption. What we encourage is risk literacy: nicotine is not risk-free, but the risk must be understood proportionally, especially when compared to burning cigarettes," he concluded.