Dementia can develop for many reasons — including age, genetics, brain changes, lifestyle factors, or long-term health issues. According to Dementia UK, the condition begins when brain cells become damaged and can no longer communicate well. Over time, this leads to memory loss and shrinking of certain areas of the brain.
A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine has raised new questions after researchers observed a possible link between the widely used medication gabapentin and a higher risk of dementia.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an FDA-approved drug used to treat nerve pain and control seizures. Doctors also prescribe it off-label for several conditions, including:
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Chronic back pain
- Hot flashes
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
It is often considered a safer alternative to opioids. Still, like any medication, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, speech problems, and occasional memory issues.
What the Study Showed
Researchers reviewed medical records from more than 26,000 adults within the TriNetX research network. They focused on people with chronic pain conditions and compared patients who used gabapentin with those who didn’t.
Over a ten-year period, they tracked the development of:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
Key Findings
- Patients with six or more gabapentin prescriptions showed a 29% higher chance of developing dementia.
- Their risk of mild cognitive impairment increased by 85%.
- The most unexpected results appeared in adults ages 35–49, where dementia risk doubled, and MCI risk tripled.
Lead study author Nafis B. Eghrari, a fourth-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University, explained that the study highlights an association — not a confirmed cause.
“There is still uncertainty about whether gabapentin directly increases dementia risk. We need more research to understand how gabapentin affects cognitive function and whether it contributes to neurodegenerative changes.”
Limitations and Expert Concerns
Several specialists have pointed out that the study did not account for major lifestyle and health factors.
Physical Activity Was Not Measured
Tara Spires-Jones, director at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, noted that individuals using gabapentin may have less physical activity due to pain. Reduced activity is a known dementia risk and could influence the results.
Dosage and Duration Were Not Controlled
Professor Ian Maidment of Aston University added that the analysis didn’t track how long patients took gabapentin or at what dose — two important details when evaluating risk.
Other studies have also failed to find a clear connection, leading experts to stress caution without jumping to conclusions.
More Research Needed
Orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Neel Anand agreed: proving a direct cause requires well-controlled studies that compare gabapentin users with people who never take the drug.
What Patients and Healthcare Providers Should Do
Although the study has limitations, the message from researchers is simple: stay alert and monitor symptoms.
Eghrari recommends that doctors who prescribe gabapentin for chronic pain include regular cognitive screenings during patient visits.
Patients should immediately report signs such as:
- New confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower thinking
These changes do not always signal dementia but should be checked promptly.
Moving Forward
Researchers plan to continue investigating whether gabapentin plays a direct role in cognitive decline and how it may affect the brain.
For now, the best approach is awareness — especially for long-term gabapentin users and their families.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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