Using nicotine patches may not only help smokers kick the habit, but may also help prevent mild memory loss, reports BBC News.

The finding is not a conclusive one, the researchers note clearly, warning people against the dangers of misinterpreting it as a license to continue smoking. Citing expert opinions, the British news channel too reminds smokers that the dangers of nicotine outweigh any of its conjectured merits by a long margin.

The study, conducted by researchers from Nashville-based Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, involved 67 elderly people half of which were given nicotine patches while the rest were placed on a dummy treatment for 24 weeks. Following the study period, the authors found that those given nicotine patches improved their retentive capabilities by 46% while the other group had experienced a 26% decline in their long-term memory during the same period.

Noting that there might be inconsistency in data and its interpretation, the experts have stressed the need for further research into the possible link between quit smoking treatment and memory boost. Lead study author Dr Paul Newhouse said the apparent benefits of nicotine patches could be short-term in people who have started developing initial symptoms of dementia, emphasising that the present study should be followed up with more investigations.

Prof Derek Hill of University College London agreed to Dr Newhouse, saying that further research is required to develop an effective and reliable memory loss treatment that will work out for most people.