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A new study from the journal Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine has revealed a link between the medication gabapentin and the risk of dementia and reduced learning and thinking skills (cognitive decline).
Gabapentin can be prescribed for epilepsy and nerve pain in the UK.
The study investigated the use of gabapentin in 26,416 people with chronic back pain in the US between 2004 and 2024.
The researchers, Nafis Eghrari and colleagues, found that there was a higher rate of dementia in people with six or more prescriptions of gabapentin. This group also had a higher rate of problems with thinking skills (mild cognitive impairment).
In adults aged 18-64, the risk of dementia doubled. The risk also increased with more prescriptions of gabapentin.
The researchers acknowledge that since their study is observational and retrospective, they can’t confirm cause and effect and they couldn’t account for some variables, like dose or length of use. However, they suggest that doctors should monitor learning and thinking skills in people taking gabapentin.
If you are worried about your medication, please speak to your epilepsy specialist, epilepsy nurse or GP. Don’t stop taking your medication without speaking to your health professional first. You can also speak to the Epilepsy Action Helpline if you have any questions.
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