An alarming new study reveals that a widely prescribed medication for lower back pain may raise the risk of developing dementia by up to 40%.
Gabapentin—better known by its brand name Neurontin—was approved by the NHS in the early 1990s to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. Since then, it has become a common go-to for managing chronic pain conditions.
But recent research from the US has uncovered a concerning link: patients of all ages who took gabapentin at least six times faced a 29% higher chance of developing dementia, a condition that gradually steals memory and cognitive function. Typically, the medication is taken three times daily.
Even more worrying, those who had been prescribed the drug more than 12 times saw their risk climb to 40%.
Experts from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio have raised concerns that individuals prescribed gabapentin, a common drug used to treat nerve and chronic pain, should be closely monitored for signs of cognitive decline.
However, researchers emphasize that the findings show only a correlation, not proof that gabapentin directly causes dementia.
Gabapentin, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (known for its COVID-19 vaccine), targets gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—a brain chemical that helps calm overactive nerve cells. Since its NHS approval in the early 1990s, the drug has become a mainstay for conditions like epilepsy and persistent nerve pain.
Despite its widespread use, recent US research analyzed medical records of over 26,000 Americans treated with gabapentin for chronic low back pain between 2004 and 2024. The study found that after 10 years from diagnosis:
- Patients prescribed gabapentin six or more times faced a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that can precede dementia.
- For those receiving more than 12 prescriptions, dementia risk increased by 40% and MCI risk by 65%.
- Strikingly, among patients aged 35 to 49, the risk of dementia more than quadrupled, and MCI more than tripled. No increased risk was observed in the 18 to 34 age group.
Published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, the study’s authors wrote:
“Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years… Our results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline.”
Despite these alarming statistics, independent experts urge caution in interpreting the results. Dr. Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, noted several limitations:
- The study only shows an association, not causation.
- Important details like dosage and treatment duration were not recorded.
- Since all participants had chronic pain, other factors may contribute to the increased dementia risk.
- Previous studies on gabapentin use for epilepsy have not found a similar dementia link.
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, added:
“Physical inactivity, common in chronic pain sufferers, is a well-known risk factor for dementia and was not examined in this study.”
In England, NHS data reveals gabapentin prescriptions remained high, dropping slightly from 926,071 in 2022–2023 to 799,155 in 2023–2024. In the US, about 8 million gabapentin prescriptions are written annually.
Additionally, official UK records show five reports connecting gabapentin use to dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnoses — though these are anecdotal and do not prove causality.
Context on Dementia and Prevention
Last year, a landmark global study published in The Lancet identified 14 lifestyle and health factors that may prevent nearly half of all Alzheimer’s cases worldwide. Newly recognized risk factors include high cholesterol and vision loss.
In the UK, nearly one million people live with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia form. Early symptoms include memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired reasoning, which worsen over time.
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, dementia was the leading cause of death in the nation in 2022, responsible for over 74,000 deaths — a rising toll reflecting an aging population.
What Should Patients Do?
Experts stress that anyone concerned about their medication should consult their healthcare provider before making changes. Gabapentin remains an important treatment option for many, but vigilance for cognitive changes is advised.