Gabapentin Use Linked to Increased Dementia Risk

New study suggests caution for patients on nerve pain medication

A widely prescribed medication for nerve pain and epilepsy, gabapentin, has been associated with a heightened risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, according to recent research.

Study Reveals Potential Cognitive Concerns

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Arizona State University, and MetroHealth Medical Center analyzed data from over 26,000 patients experiencing chronic lower back pain. Their findings indicate a significant correlation between frequent gabapentin prescriptions and subsequent dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnoses.

Specifically, individuals receiving six or more gabapentin prescriptions were found to be 29 percent more likely to develop dementia and 85 percent more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within a decade. This association appeared more pronounced in adults aged 35 to 49 and intensified with the number of prescriptions issued.

“Gabapentin prescription in adults with chronic low back pain is associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in non-elderly adults,” the researchers stated in their published paper. “Physicians should monitor cognitive outcomes in patients prescribed gabapentin.”

— Researchers

Understanding the Drug and Its Effects

Gabapentin, marketed under brand names like Neurontin, has gained popularity as a less addictive alternative to opioids for pain management. However, it is known to have side effects, including mood disturbances and allergic reactions.

While previous studies have explored the link between gabapentin and cognitive decline, results have been mixed. This latest research, with its substantial participant numbers, adds weight to the concerns, though it acknowledges that the sample was primarily composed of individuals with chronic lower back pain.

One theory suggests that unique inflammatory factors in patients with chronic back pain might interact with gabapentin, potentially increasing dementia risk. The drug functions by modulating brain activity, which, while beneficial for pain and seizures, could theoretically disrupt neural connections over time.

The complex nature of dementia research, involving numerous contributing factors, means that each study provides crucial pieces to the puzzle. This investigation aims to encourage further exploration into whether gabapentin plays a direct role in dementia development and the specific mechanisms involved.

While the study cannot definitively prove causation, healthcare providers are advised to closely monitor the cognitive health of patients taking gabapentin, particularly those on long-term or high-dose regimens. For context, a recent report indicated that an estimated 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, a number projected to rise significantly in the coming years (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).

The findings have been published in the journal *Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine*.