Nicotine Gum for Cognitive Use

While inextricably linked with the harms of tobacco, nicotine itself, when isolated from the carcinogens in smoke, is a potent nootropic compound. It works by stimulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This leads to an increase in the release of several key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine itself. The result is an acute improvement in alertness, focus, reaction time, and working memory. Many prominent scientists and thinkers use pure forms of nicotine, like gum, lozenges, or patches, to enhance cognitive performance. The relevance to biological age is in maintaining high-level cognitive function and neural plasticity. However, it is crucial to separate the effects of pure nicotine from the devastating health consequences of smoking. Nicotine is highly addictive, and its use as a nootropic is an advanced and controversial strategy that should be approached with extreme caution and an understanding of its addictive potential.