Gabapentin Linked to Higher Dementia Risk

A new study reveals a potential link between the commonly prescribed pain medication gabapentin and an increased risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), raising concerns about long-term use.

Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline

The research, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that patients receiving six or more prescriptions for gabapentin to treat lower back pain were significantly more likely to develop dementia (29% increase) and MCI (85% increase) compared to those not prescribed the drug.

Younger Adults Face Higher Risk

Alarmingly, individuals aged 18–64 who took gabapentin faced more than double the risk of developing dementia or MCI compared to their counterparts who did not use the medication. The study analyzed anonymized medical records from 68 healthcare organizations across the USA, spanning from 2004 to 2024.

Study Methodology

Researchers examined the records of 26,414 patients prescribed gabapentin and 26,414 who were not, all suffering from chronic low back pain. They accounted for factors such as demographics, existing health conditions, and use of other pain relievers.

Prescription Frequency Matters

The risk of cognitive decline appeared to increase with more frequent prescriptions. Patients with 12 or more gabapentin prescriptions showed a 40% higher likelihood of developing dementia and a 65% higher likelihood of developing MCI than those with fewer prescriptions (between 3 and 11).

Expert Opinion

“Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence,” the researchers concluded.

Call for Vigilance

The researchers emphasized the need for careful monitoring of adult patients on gabapentin to watch for potential cognitive decline. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2024 (Alzheimer’s Association), highlighting the importance of understanding potential risk factors.

Gabapentin’s Rise in Popularity

Gabapentin has become a popular alternative to opioids for chronic and neuropathic pain, due to its lower potential for addiction and perceived neuroprotective benefits. However, concerns are growing about its potential side effects, including possible links to neurodegeneration.

Important Caveats

The study authors noted that this was an observational study, so it cannot definitively prove cause and effect. The study was also retrospective and could not account for the dosage or duration of gabapentin use.