1. Increased dementia risk with gabapentin
A large-scale observational study involving over 26,000 adults with chronic low-back pain found a significant association between gabapentin use and an elevated risk of dementia diagnosis. Specifically, individuals who filled six or more gabapentin prescriptions were about 29% more likely to receive a dementia diagnosis within ten years compared to those with similar pain conditions who did not use the drug.
This risk increased with the number of prescriptions: patients with 12 or more gabapentin prescriptions faced a 40% higher likelihood of developing dementia. The analysis accounted for other health conditions, demographic factors, and concurrent medications, reinforcing the robustness of the association.
While this data points to a concerning trend, it is important to understand that the study was observational, which means it cannot definitively prove that gabapentin causes dementia. Instead, it highlights a strong correlation that warrants further clinical investigation and careful patient monitoring.
2. Elevated mild cognitive impairment rates
In addition to increased dementia risk, the study also found that gabapentin users had substantially higher rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a clinical condition characterized by noticeable declines in cognitive abilities that do not yet interfere significantly with daily life but may progress to dementia.
Adults who filled six or more prescriptions for gabapentin had an 85% greater chance of developing MCI over a decade. Those with 12 or more prescriptions had a 65% increased risk. For younger adults, especially those aged 35–49, the risk of MCI more than tripled compared to non-users.
MCI symptoms can include problems with memory, attention, and executive functioning. These early cognitive changes often prompt neuropsychological evaluation and may lead to lifestyle adjustments or medical treatments aimed at slowing progression.
