Effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists on cognition in rhesus monkeys with a chronic cocaine self-administration history

► Cocaine use is associated with cognitive deficits that impact treatment success. ► Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists are proven cognitive enhancers. ► nAChR agonists were tested on cognition in cocaine-exposed and naive rhesus monkeys. ► nAChR agonists improved working memory in both groups of monkeys. ► Cognitive enhancement via nAChR agonism may improve abstinence rates from cocaine.