A new study suggests a potential link between taking the common pain medication gabapentin and an increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive problems.
Research published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (RAPM) analyzed data and found that patients who frequently used gabapentin (defined as receiving six or more prescriptions) showed a 29% higher chance of developing dementia. The risk of mild cognitive impairment was even higher, increasing by 85% in this group.
The findings were particularly concerning for younger adults aged 35 to 49, where the risk of dementia appeared to double, and the risk of cognitive impairment tripled compared to non-users.
This large-scale analysis was based on over 52,000 patient records from the United States, spanning a period of two decades.
While gabapentin is often prescribed as a safer alternative to opioid painkillers for conditions like chronic back pain and neuropathic pain, the study authors urge caution regarding its potential long-term effects on brain health.
They note that although the study identifies a correlation and not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the observed association highlights the importance of careful consideration and monitoring when prescribing and taking gabapentin, particularly for adult patients over extended periods.
