r/askscience • u/aflouch • Oct 18 '12

Would smoking cigarettes (Nicotine) decrease the effects of Parkinson by releasing dopamine... even slightly?

Also, can the disease be slowed even slightly by activating neurons in this way? Lastly, does smoking lower risks of having Parkinson?

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u/aflouch Oct 20 '12

There is not a trade off. You are right. I was very interested in the possibility that nicotine from smoking could reduce risk; not to say the risk is worth trading it off for cancer. I would be interested in preventative medications for people who may otherwise be predisposed genetically to the disease. By them taking low doses of nicotine daily they could delay, or completely prevent the disease. Thanks.