“Be positive—you can make a better lifestyle for yourself.”
BRIAN D., PWP
Researchers have known for quite some time that most people who have Parkinson’s never (or only for a very short time) smoked cigarettes. Studies have consistently shown that cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use are associated with a lower risk of developing PD.51 Additional studies have found that smoking reduces the risk of developing Parkinson’s by about 40 to 50 percent. Further, being exposed to tobacco smoke has been found to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s, even if a person has never smoked before.52
Because of the strong inverse relationship between smoking and Parkinson’s risk, researchers have been hoping to discover whether certain compounds in tobacco, possibly nicotine, could help prevent Parkinson’s, or at least slow its progression. So far, clinical trials and case studies of nicotine treatment have shown mixed results. Though previously thought to be of some benefit for alleviating symptoms and reducing drug-induced side effects, the nicotine patch was found to be ineffective in a late 2018 study.53
Other research into nicotine relates to a flowering plant family called Solanaceae. Some of its species are edible sources of nicotine. One study found that consuming certain foods that contain nicotine, such as plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, as well as peppers and tomatoes, could help lower the risk for Parkinson’s.54
More studies need to be done to determine whether nicotine is of any real benefit to people with PD. In the meantime, in case this crossed your mind while reading this, it is NOT a good idea to start smoking in hopes of preventing or slowing Parkinson’s. The toxins that enter your body when smoking a cigarette are far worse than the potential good in nicotine.