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This Common Pain Med Could Be Raising Dementia Risk
Gabapentin, a medication commonly used to treat nerve pain and restless leg syndrome, may be linked to an increased risk of dementia, new research suggests. The study, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that individuals taking gabapentin for chronic low back pain were significantly more likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment compared to those who did not take the medication.
The researchers at Case Western Reserve University analyzed the medical records of over 26,000 patients diagnosed with low back pain between 2004 and 2024. By comparing similar groups of patients who either received gabapentin prescriptions or did not, they aimed to assess any potential correlation between the drug’s use and dementia risk.
The findings indicate that individuals taking gabapentin six or more times were approximately 30% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared to non-users. Moreover, they were a staggering 85% more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment.
This increased relative risk was also observed in those under the age of 65 and those who took 12 or more prescriptions of gabapentin compared to individuals receiving fewer prescriptions.
It is essential to note that this study only demonstrates an association between the two factors, not a cause-and-effect relationship. However, these findings do motivate further research into confirming whether this connection exists and determining the precise mechanisms behind it, according to the researchers.
As such, doctors are advised to be more cautious in prescribing gabapentin and to proactively monitor the cognitive health of their patients taking the medication.
The study’s lead author emphasized that while more research is needed to confirm these findings, medical professionals should still take heed of this correlation. “Our results support the need for close monitoring in adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess potential cognitive decline,” they stated.
It remains to be seen whether gabapentin will be reevaluated as a treatment option due to these findings. However, it is crucial that doctors are aware of this potential risk and weigh the benefits against the risks when deciding on its use for their patients.
Source: gizmodo.com
