p k Nicotine helps prevent Alzheimer' s Nicotine is able to prevent the for- mation of an abnormal brain-cell plaque found in Alzheimer's patients, according to a study released Tuesday. from Case Western Reserve University. Michael Zagorski, a biochemist who performed the study - sponsored in part by Philip Morris - said that the findings occurred only in test tube samples and that it wasn't clear ohether nicotine would have the same pfects on a living brain. "I wouldn't advise anybody to start smoking," Zagorski said. Zagorski's findings indicate that when nicotine is mixed with key brain chemicals it can prevent the formation of beta amyloid plaques, which are found in the brains of Alzheimer's dis- ease patients during autopsies. Some researchers suggest that the plaques cAuse the disease. * Zagorski recommended that nico- tine's effects should be studied further to determine if the, chemical could :be used to develop a drug to combat - A lzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association - a major Alzheimer's research group - sajd Zagorski's findings were, "inter- rsting, though very preliminary." prof. named to aging council ,, University psychologist James .ackson has been named a member of the National Advisory Council on Aging by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. Jackson is the Daniel Katz Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and directs the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the lMisfitute for Social Research. The National Advisory Council on Aging counsels and supports biomed- ical, social and behavioral researchers and disseminates health information concerning aging and the needs and dis- eases of the elderly. Council members are appointed for four years. Jackson has taught at the University since 1971. Chocolate may slow cholesterol UOniversity of California at Davis sci- entists have shown that chocolate con- .tins antioxidants that may reduce the .adverse effects of cholesterol. -The chemicals are similar to those that give red wine its supposed antioxi- dant function. Meanwhile, researchers at the Neuroscientists Institute in San Diego report that chocolate also contains cannabinoids - which are similar to ,the chemicals found in marijuana - although in lower concentrations. Two other chemicals in chocolate a'ppear to prolong the pleasurable sensa- tions elicited by the cannabinoids - :and these chemicals may be responsible .for the notorious "chocolate addiction." Cheap shoe nserts work fine .