Nicotine may relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Two elderly patients with Parkinson's disease were treated with nicotine gum and patch. Reliable changes in symptomatology were noted, using a single-subject, placebo-control reversal design. Improvement was associated with active nicotine dosing and involved diminished tremor and disorganized thinking in one patient and diminished bradykinesia and increased energy in the other.
Fagerström
K O
KO
Pharmacia Research Laboratories, Helsingborg, Sweden.
Pomerleau
O
O
Giordani
B
B
Stelson
F
F
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003221:Confusion / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014202:Tremor / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D002638:Chewing Gum; D009538:Nicotine