New Research Links Gabapentin Use to Higher Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Risks

Recent findings published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine reveal that patients receiving multiple prescriptions of gabapentin for managing low back pain face significantly increased risks of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A comprehensive analysis of electronic health records from 68 U.S. healthcare organizations showed that individuals prescribed six or more courses of gabapentin are 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to develop MCI within a decade of their initial pain diagnosis.

The study also highlighted that these risks are particularly elevated among younger adults aged 18 to 64, with those prescribed the medication more than twice as likely to develop either condition compared to those not on gabapentin. Notably, the increased risk was most apparent in the 35–49 and 50–64 age groups, where the likelihood of developing dementia or MCI more than doubled or tripled with frequent prescriptions. The data further indicated a dose-response relationship, as patients with 12 or more prescriptions had a 40% increased risk of dementia and a 65% increased risk of MCI, compared to those with fewer prescriptions.

While gabapentin lacks the high addictive potential seen with opioids and is commonly used for neuropathic pain relief, concerns about its long-term side effects, including possible links to neurodegenerative processes, are growing. The study’s authors emphasized that their design was observational and retrospective, and therefore, causation cannot be firmly established. Factors such as dosage and duration of use were not fully accounted for.

The researchers recommend vigilant monitoring of patients on gabapentin, especially those with frequent prescriptions, to watch for signs of cognitive decline. As the use of gabapentin becomes widespread, understanding its long-term impacts on brain health is increasingly important to balance pain management benefits with potential neurological risks.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-nerve-pain-drug-gabapentin-linked.html]