Dementia Alert: Popular Drug Increases Memory Loss Risk by 40%

New Research Links Gabapentin Use to Increased Dementia Risk

Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential link between the use of gabapentin, a widely prescribed medication for nerve pain and epilepsy, and an increased risk of developing dementia. The findings suggest that individuals taking this drug may face a higher likelihood of cognitive decline, though researchers emphasize that further investigation is needed to determine causation.

Gabapentin, marketed under the brand name Neurontin, was first approved in the early 1990s for treating nerve pain and seizures. However, new research from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio has uncovered a possible association between long-term gabapentin use and cognitive impairment. According to the study, patients who received six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia within a decade of their initial diagnosis. The risk rose to 40% for those who had been prescribed the medication more than 12 times.

The study analyzed health records of over 26,000 Americans who had been prescribed gabapentin for chronic low back pain between 2004 and 2024. Researchers found that individuals receiving multiple prescriptions were also at a significantly higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can sometimes precede dementia. For people aged 35–49, the risk of dementia more than doubled, while the likelihood of MCI more than tripled.

Despite these findings, experts caution that the study only shows an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Dr. Leah Mursaleen, head of clinical research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, pointed out several limitations in the study, including the lack of data on dosage levels and the duration of treatment. She also noted that previous research on gabapentin users for conditions like seizures did not show a similar link to dementia.

Another concern raised by experts is the possibility that individuals requiring gabapentin for chronic pain may already have other risk factors for dementia, such as reduced physical activity. Professor Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh highlighted the need to consider lifestyle factors when interpreting the results. “People with chronic pain may be less physically active, which is a known risk factor for dementia,” she said.

Official reports from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency indicate that five cases in the UK have linked gabapentin use to Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses. However, these reports do not establish a definitive causal link and may simply reflect coincidences.

Gabapentin remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications in both the UK and the US. In England alone, nearly 800,000 patients were prescribed the drug in 2023/24, while over 8 million prescriptions are issued annually in the US. The drug works by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity in the brain.

While the findings of this study are concerning, they do not necessarily mean that gabapentin should be avoided. Instead, they underscore the importance of monitoring patients for cognitive changes, especially those who take the medication frequently. Individuals with concerns about their medication should consult their healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments or additional monitoring.

In addition to the potential risks associated with gabapentin, recent research has identified several lifestyle factors that could help prevent up to half of all Alzheimer’s cases. These include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing conditions like high cholesterol and vision loss. Experts believe that addressing these factors could significantly reduce the global burden of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects approximately 982,000 people in the UK. Symptoms typically begin with memory problems and gradually progress to difficulties with thinking, reasoning, and language. In 2022, dementia was responsible for 74,261 deaths in the UK, making it the leading cause of death in the country.

As research continues to explore the complex relationship between medications, lifestyle, and cognitive health, it is clear that a multifaceted approach will be essential in the fight against dementia. While the findings on gabapentin highlight the need for caution, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of ongoing scientific inquiry and patient-centered care.