Dear Doctor: Is it true that nicotine patches can be helpful to combat memory loss?

AdvicePublished: Jul. 20, 2026, 6:00 a.m.Dr. Keith Roach is a physician at Weill Cornell Medical College. He writes an educational column on infectious diseases, public health and sports medicine.North America SyndicateDEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a healthy 70-year-old female who still works full-time and plays tennis regularly. I’m 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weigh 140 pounds. My concern is my memory, especially my speech. English is my second language, but I’ve been in the United States for over 40 years. Words often disappear from me when I need them and come back later when the subject is closed.When I shared my concern with my friend, I was told that nicotine patches are helpful for memory loss, even though I’m no longer a smoker. I quit smoking 15 years ago after decades of smoking. What’s your