Gabapentin linked to higher dementia risk in back pain patients
Gabapentin for chronic back pain may raise dementia risk, especially in younger adults.
Why it matters
- Gabapentin, a popular opioid-alternative painkiller, is linked to increased dementia risk.
- The study highlights the need for caution in prescribing gabapentin, especially for younger patients.
By the numbers
- Patients with six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a 29% higher risk of dementia and 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment within a decade.
- The study included 26,416 patients who received gabapentin and a matched group of 26,416 who did not.
- The risk was more pronounced in adults under 65, with those aged 35 to 64 having more than twice the risk.
The big picture
- Gabapentin is commonly used to treat chronic pain and is considered safer than opioids.
- The study suggests that long-term use of gabapentin may have cognitive side effects, including memory issues and mental fog.
What they're saying
- Some users express concern about long-term use of gabapentin and its potential cognitive side effects.
- Others question the study's design and whether early stages of Alzheimer's might cause severe nerve pain.
Caveats
- The study is observational and cannot prove causation.
- Other unmeasured variables could have influenced the results.
What’s next
- Further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms linking gabapentin use to changes in brain function.
- Clinical trials may help clarify whether gabapentin contributes directly to neurodegeneration.