A nicotine patch can curb cravings -- and it might relieve "senior moments," according to a new study.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center conducted a preliminary study on 11 seniors. Four weeks of wearing nicotine patches halved decision times on a standardized test of memory and increased participants' ability to focus their attention -- a skill critical for learning and memory, the researchers said.

Each senior wore a nicotine patch for four weeks and a placebo patch for an additional four weeks separated by a two-week resting period.

"In folks with relatively minor changes in their memory and thinking, there was some improvement with nicotine skin patches in the areas of attention and their general perception of their own memory," said Dr. Heidi White, a Duke geriatrician. "We hope that will translate into treatments that allow people to actually function better in their daily lives."

The findings are published in the online edition of the journal Psychopharmacology. Pharmacia Inc. donated the nicotine and placebo patches.

Despite nicotine's potential benefits, the researchers say the findings are far from justifying smoking. They also caution that nicotine patches have associated health risks -- including nausea, dizziness, and increases in blood pressure and heart rate -- and have not been approved for long-term use.

"While the results are encouraging, seniors should not try nicotine skin patches until larger studies testing the efficacy and safety of their use have been conducted," said Duke researcher Edward Levin.