Research Raises Concerns About Gabapentin and Cognitive Decline
New findings suggest that painkillers typically used for lower back pain, specifically gabapentin, could be linked to a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study, published in the Journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, challenges earlier assumptions about age groups deemed too young to be affected, noting an increased risk within a decade of taking gabapentin.
The researchers highlighted that gabapentin has gained popularity for treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain. While often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional opioids, concerns about potential neurodegenerative effects are surfacing.
Past studies hadn’t firmly established links between gabapentin use and cognitive risks, particularly across different age demographics. In this latest research, data from the Trinetx health research network, which includes electronic health records from 68 U.S. healthcare facilities, was analyzed.
The team examined anonymous health records of adult patients prescribed gabapentin for chronic low back pain from 2004 to 2024, comparing those individuals with a control group that didn’t receive the drug. Each group consisted of 26,414 people, providing a substantial dataset.
Factors such as age, existing health conditions, and additional pain-relief medications were taken into account. The results were stark: patients who received prescriptions for gabapentin showed a 29% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia and an 85% higher chance of developing MCI within ten years of their initial pain diagnosis.
Interestingly, younger adults aged 18-64 on gabapentin were found to be more than twice as likely to develop cognitive issues compared to their peers not taking the medication. Specifically, while those aged 18-34 showed no heightened risk, individuals between 35 and 49 exhibited a dramatic increase, where the risk was more than twice as high. A similar pattern held for those aged 50 to 64.
Moreover, the frequency of prescriptions played a role; patients filling 12 or more gabapentin prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia compared to those with fewer prescriptions. The risk for MCI was even higher—65% for this group.
However, the researchers acknowledged limitations of the study, noting it was observational. They couldn’t definitively establish causal relationships, and there were challenges regarding dosage and duration of gabapentin use.
Despite these shortcomings, the findings underline the importance of close monitoring for adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess potential cognitive decline.
