Millions of Americans rely on gabapentin for chronic back pain — but a major new study suggests there may be a hidden danger: a significantly higher risk of dementia and cognitive problems.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, analyzing medical records from 68 U.S. health systems, compared 26,414 adults taking gabapentin for chronic low-back pain with a similar group who didn’t use the drug. The results were eye-opening:
- Adults with six or more prescriptions were 29% more likely to develop dementia and 85% more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within 10 years.
- Younger adults faced the biggest risk:
- Ages 35–49 saw more than double the dementia risk and over triple the MCI risk.
- Ages 50–64 also had elevated risks.
- Only those 18–34 showed no significant increase.
The study, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of patients on long-term gabapentin.
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