NICOTINE MAY RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSONS-DISEASE

Two elderly patients with Parkinson's disease were treated with nicoti ne gum and patch. Reliable changes in symptomatology were noted, using a single-subject, placebo-control reversal design. Improvement was as sociated with active nicotine dosing and involved diminished tremor an d disorganized thinking in one patient and diminished bradykinesia and increased energy in the other.