Nicotine Patches Fail to Slow Parkinson’s Progression: Lessons from the NIC-PD Trial

Dr. Kumar’s Take

For years, researchers have wondered if nicotine might protect the brain in Parkinson’s disease, since smokers are less likely to develop it. This large trial tested whether nicotine patches could slow disease progression in newly diagnosed patients. The results were disappointing: nicotine did not slow progression and may have worsened outcomes in some measures.

For patients and families, the key lesson is that nicotine, whether from patches, gums, or tobacco, is not a safe or effective treatment for Parkinson’s. Instead, focus should remain on proven therapies and healthy lifestyle strategies that support brain health.

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Vitamin K2: A Powerhouse Nutrient for Bones, Arteries, and Brain

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This review of over 100 studies confirms what many integrative physicians have long suspected—vitamin K2 does far more than help clot blood. It’s deeply involved in how our bodies manage calcium. It helps build stronger bones, keeps arteries from hardening, may protect brain health, and possibly improves outcomes in infections like COVID-19. It’s time we stop thinking of vitamin K as just a coagulation factor and start recognizing it as a system-wide regulator of calcium and inflammation. For patients, this means considering vitamin K2 as part of your long-term plan for bone and heart health—especially if you’re taking vitamin D or calcium.

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