A new study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine has raised concerns about the potential long-term cognitive effects of gabapentin, a commonly prescribed medication for chronic pain. The research, which analyzed electronic health records from 68 U.S. healthcare organizations, found that adults aged 35 to 64 who took gabapentin for chronic pain were twice as likely to develop dementia and three times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within a decade.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers, followed patients prescribed gabapentin for chronic lower back pain between 2004 and 2024. Over 26,414 individuals were included in the study, with data collected through TriNetX, a health research network. The researchers accounted for demographic factors, co-existing conditions, and the use of other pain medications to ensure the findings were as accurate as possible.
Patients who received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were found to be 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within 10 years. The risk was even higher for those with 12 or more prescriptions, with a 40% increased risk of dementia and a 65% increased risk of MCI. The findings were particularly significant for age groups between 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, where the risk of dementia more than doubled or tripled, according to the study.
While the researchers acknowledged limitations, including the inability to establish cause and effect due to the observational nature of the study, they emphasized the need for close monitoring of patients on long-term gabapentin therapy. The results highlight the importance of weighing the benefits and risks of this medication, especially for individuals at higher risk of cognitive decline.