Gabapentin, an anti-seizure medication commonly used for chronic pain, has been found to increase the risk of dementia by up to 40% in patients taking it long-term, according to a new study. The medication affects chemical messengers in the brain and nerves, and its use has been linked to dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea as common side effects.
Researchers analyzed records of over 26,400 patients who received gabapentin for persistent low back pain between 2004 and 2024, alongside a control group of similar patients without the prescription. After adjusting for patient demographics and medical history, those taking six or more prescriptions were found to be 29% more likely to develop dementia.
The risk of developing mild cognitive impairment also increased significantly, with patients who took six or more prescriptions being 85% more likely to experience it within a decade. Notably, the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment more than doubled among younger adults aged 35-49, who take gabapentin.
While the study’s authors acknowledge that their work is observational and cannot definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between gabapentin and dementia, they emphasize the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline. Other experts caution against drawing overly strong conclusions from the findings, highlighting the importance of considering factors such as physical activity levels and known risk factors like smoking and obesity.
Key takeaways include:
* Gabapentin increases dementia risk by up to 40% in chronic pain patients
* Higher prescription frequency is linked to increased dementia incidence
* Younger adults taking gabapentin are more vulnerable to cognitive decline
* Regular exercise, social activity, and a healthy diet are essential for lowering dementia risk.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/07/11/health/common-pain-drug-can-increase-dementia-risk-by-up-to-40-study