Gabapentin Use Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A new large-scale study has raised concerns about the long-term use of gabapentin, a commonly prescribed drug for nerve pain and epilepsy, linking it to a significant increase in the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Arizona State University, and the MetroHealth Medical Center, the study analyzed 26,416 patient records of individuals with chronic lower back pain. Published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, the findings suggest that frequent gabapentin use could have unintended effects on brain function.

Higher Dementia Risk Among Younger Adults

Gabapentin has long been viewed as a safer alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, with doctors frequently prescribing it to reduce dependency risks. However, the latest research has revealed troubling patterns. Patients who had six or more prescriptions for gabapentin were found to be 29% more likely to develop dementia and 85% more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment within a decade.

The risk was especially pronounced in non-elderly adults aged 35 to 49. These findings have surprised many in the medical community, as dementia is typically studied in relation to aging populations.

“Gabapentin prescription in adults with chronic low back pain is associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in non-elderly adults,” the researchers noted. They recommend that physicians monitor cognitive outcomes in patients using the drug, especially when prescribed over longer durations.

While the study does not establish causality, the correlation is strong enough to warrant caution. It also suggests that younger brains might be more sensitive to the neurological impact of gabapentin than previously assumed.

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How Gabapentin May Impact Brain Waves and Memory

Gabapentin works by modulating brain waves and reducing excitatory signals in the central nervous system. This action helps prevent seizures and alleviates nerve-related pain. However, experts now fear that by interfering with these brain wave patterns, gabapentin may unintentionally disrupt healthy neural connections—particularly those involved in memory and cognitive processing.

Brain waves are the electrical rhythms that facilitate communication between neurons. Gabapentin’s mechanism involves dampening these signals, which may relieve pain but could also impair memory formation and decision-making over time.

One possible explanation is that gabapentin alters the natural synchronization of brain wave activity, a critical factor in maintaining cognitive function. By quieting these waves, the drug may interfere with neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and learn.

The researchers point out that previous studies yielded mixed results. For instance, a 1997 study involving epilepsy patients found no link between gabapentin and cognitive decline. But this new study focuses on patients with chronic pain, a condition that may involve different patterns of inflammation and brain activity, potentially making them more susceptible to negative effects.

Doctors Urged to Balance Benefits and Risks

Gabapentin is marketed under several brand names, including Neurontin, and has become increasingly popular in treating back pain, fibromyalgia, and other chronic conditions. It is less addictive than opioids, which contributed to its widespread use in the United States and globally.

However, the drug is not without side effects. Patients often report dizziness, mood changes, and fatigue, and in rare cases, severe allergic reactions. With this new data linking gabapentin to cognitive decline, healthcare providers are being urged to reconsider its long-term use—particularly for younger adults.

The authors of the study emphasize the importance of further research. “We hope the current study promotes more investigation into whether gabapentin plays a causal role in the development of dementia and what the underlying mechanisms might be,” they wrote.

In the meantime, doctors are encouraged to weigh the cognitive risks against the pain relief benefits. For patients already taking the medication, especially those with multiple prescriptions, regular cognitive assessments may help detect early signs of impairment.

As science continues to explore the complex relationship between chronic pain management, medication, and brain health, the findings from this study add a new layer of caution. Understanding how drugs like gabapentin interact with brain waves and long-term memory formation could prove crucial in preventing cognitive decline—before it’s too late.