AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 12/9/2007 Subject: Brain Function
Question I would discribe myself as having a complicated history, not yet completely understood, with a primary diagnosis of ADD, and co-morbidities of a depressive nature. I have been on various medications to treat the mix of symptoms associated and nothing works as well as smoking. It elivates my mood, focuses my attention and addresses an OCD component in a way that no medication has been able to come close to duplicating. My question is where can I get information on what parts of the brain are affected by smoking? If I am able to narrow down the areas affected I believe it would be useful information for my doctor to refine and potentialy address a co-morbidity that is currently undiagnosed. Thank you for any help you can offer.
Answer Dear Robert,
Nicotine receptors are located in many regions of the brain.
I am not sure that this information can be used to narrow down the regions of the brain. Have you tried quitting and going on nicotine replacement therapy?
Have you been smoking and taking medications at the same time?
I hope this helps,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
