Researchers Explore Potential Link Between Medication and Dementia Risk

When it comes to managing chronic pain, doctors often face a difficult balance: finding treatments that are effective without being addictive or overly risky. One medication that has grown increasingly popular in recent years is  gabapentin  — a prescription drug originally approved by the FDA to control seizures and nerve-related pain.

Because gabapentin is considered safer than opioids, many doctors prescribe it not only for epilepsy and nerve pain but also “off-label” for issues like sciatica, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, restless nights, and even anxiety.

But like all medications, gabapentin is not without side effects. Common ones include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. More concerning are recent findings suggesting a possible connection between long-term use of gabapentin and  cognitive decline , including mild memory problems and dementia.

What the New Study Found

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University and several medical institutions examined health records from over  26,000 adults  dealing with chronic pain conditions. They compared patients who had received at least six prescriptions of gabapentin with those who did not take the drug, then followed the data over a ten-year period.

The results, published in  Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine , raised important questions:

Contents

Why This Matters for Older Adults

Limitations and Criticisms of the Study

What Patients Can Do

The Bigger Picture

• • Patients with six or more prescriptions showed a  29% increased risk of developing dementia .
  • They also showed an  85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) , a condition that often precedes dementia.
  • Surprisingly, the increased risk appeared  strongest in adults aged 35 to 49 , a younger age group not typically considered high-risk for memory decline. In fact, in this group the dementia risk was about double, and the MCI risk nearly triple, compared to non-users.

Lead author Nafis B. Eghrari, a fourth-year medical student, explained that while previous research showed mixed results, this study aimed to fill a critical gap. “We wanted to understand whether gabapentin plays a role in cognitive decline. Our findings show an association, though they do not prove causation,” he told reporters.

Why This Matters for Older Adults

For seniors who may already face higher risks of cognitive challenges, this study adds another factor to consider when weighing treatment options for chronic pain. Gabapentin remains a valuable tool for many patients, but the findings suggest the importance of  careful monitoring , especially for long-term use.

Doctors emphasize that no single medication or habit fully explains dementia risk. Instead, memory health is shaped by a combination of genetics, overall health, daily habits, and — potentially — the medications we take.

Limitations and Criticisms of the Study

Not all experts are convinced that gabapentin is a direct culprit. Several researchers caution that observational studies like this one have natural limitations.

• • Lifestyle factors weren't tracked.  For example, patients living with chronic pain may naturally be less active, and lower physical activity is already a known risk factor for dementia.
  • Other medications weren't fully accounted for.  Many patients take multiple prescriptions, which could complicate results.

• Dosage and duration details were missing.  Without knowing exactly how much gabapentin participants used or how consistently they took it, the findings are less precise.

Dr. Neel Anand, a spine specialist not involved in the study, noted: “The best way to prove a true link would be to compare people taking only gabapentin with those not on it at all. Still, these results remind us to stay alert and mindful about long-term use.”

What Patients Can Do

If you or a loved one takes gabapentin, the message is not to panic or stop the medication suddenly — that could be dangerous. Instead, consider these steps:

1. 1. Talk with your doctor.  Ask whether the benefits still outweigh the risks for your specific situation.
   2. Review your prescriptions regularly.  Many older adults take multiple medications. A pharmacist or physician can help identify overlaps or unnecessary drugs.
   3. Support brain health.  Stay active, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s, and stay socially and mentally engaged.

1. Know the warning signs.  If you notice increasing forgetfulness, confusion, or changes in communication, bring it up promptly with your healthcare provider.

The Bigger Picture

This research doesn't prove that gabapentin causes dementia — only that there may be an association worth further investigation. As Professor Ian Maidment of Aston University noted, “The jury is still out.”

What is clear is that as our population ages, understanding how common medications affect long-term memory health is becoming more urgent. For now, patients can take heart in knowing that awareness, regular check-ins with doctors, and healthy daily habits remain powerful tools in protecting brain health