Nicotine Improves Brain Function In Schizophrenics

An anonymous reader suggests a Cosmos Magazine note that nicotine has been shown to enhance attention and memory in schizophrenics. Research is now aimed at developing new treatments that could relieve symptoms and prevent smoking-related deaths. "A strong link between schizophrenia and smoking — with over three times as many schizophrenics smoking (70 to 90%) as the population at large — prompted scientists to investigate the link. Researchers led by Ruth Barr, a psychiatrist at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, set out to find if the nicotine in cigarettes was helping patients to overcome their difficulties with cognitive function, such as planning and memory in social and work settings."

Comments

Finally, a reason.

[palegray.net]

I'll simply start telling folks I'm a schizophrenic to justify my pack a day habit.

Would you want to see what happens when I try to quit?

Re:Finally, a reason.

[Talderas]

And you'd live a shorter life.

The Voices Hate Cigarettes

[Ukab the Great]

And all this time I thought that the voice in my head telling me not to smoke was common sense.

Derrrr

[BigBlueOx]

Nicotine sharpens the mind while simultaneously relaxing the muscles. That's why it's so addictive. Duh.

In fact, personally, I blame the lack of smoking by people for the general dumbing-down of everyone and everything including Slashdot. Oh? You doubt me? Ha! Just go read some of the threads on Slashdot from back in the 40s and 50s and compare it to the drivel of today. Notice, in particular, the civility of discourse and the lack of Linux/Apple/Microsoft fanbois. You'll see.

Re:Typical

[Teresita]

There is research that suggests that nicotine completely rewires the pleasure centers of the brain (to make them dependent on nicotine)

Then again, human ingenuity knows no bounds when it comes to pleasure and nicotine. Look what Clinton and Monica managed to do with that cigar.