A new study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine examined whether gabapentin — a common medication for nerve pain, seizures, and several off-label conditions — might be linked to cognitive decline. Although gabapentin is often viewed as safer and less addictive than alternatives, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and memory or speech difficulties.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 26,000 adults in the TriNetX health network, focusing on chronic pain patients. They compared individuals prescribed gabapentin with a similar group who weren’t and monitored them over ten years for signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. People who had six or more gabapentin prescriptions showed a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of MCI, though the study emphasized that this does not prove gabapentin causes these conditions.
The strongest associations appeared in adults ages 35–49, where dementia risk nearly doubled and MCI risk tripled. Experts cautioned that the study had limitations: it did not consider other medications, physical activity, or how long patients took the drug. Some noted that chronic pain itself may reduce activity levels, which is already a known risk factor for cognitive decline.
Because of these uncertainties, researchers urge caution rather than alarm. They recommend that physicians regularly monitor cognitive function in patients who take gabapentin long-term and encourage patients to report symptoms such as memory problems or confusion. This summary is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.
