Widely Used Medication Connected to Noticeable Increase in Dementia Rates

Back Pain Relief or a Silent Cognitive Risk? New Research Connects Gabapentin to a Steep Increase in Dementia Potential.

What if a medication taken daily by millions for chronic discomfort is quietly affecting the brain?

Gabapentin—once celebrated as a breakthrough treatment for epilepsy and nerve-related pain—has become a common fixture in medicine cabinets across the country. Yet emerging evidence now hints that the drug may be subtly elevating the likelihood of dementia, particularly among long-term users.

Despite its widespread use, gabapentin has largely avoided major scrutiny. But new findings from the United States suggest the need for far closer examination—especially for those who rely on it continuously.

The Unseen Price of Pain Relief.

Marketed under names such as Neurontin, gabapentin was initially designed to regulate overly reactive nerve signaling in individuals with epilepsy. Over the years, it evolved into a widely prescribed solution for various nerve issues, including sciatica, post-operative pain, and persistent lower back discomfort.

But now, researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a concerning trend.

After reviewing medical data from more than 26,000 Americans across a twenty-year span (2004–2024), experts discovered that:

Individuals who received six or more prescriptions for gabapentin were associated with a 29% elevated risk of developing dementia.

Association—Not Definitive Proof

It’s crucial to note that the research does not conclusively show that gabapentin causes dementia. Rather, it highlights a strong correlation.

Dr. Leah Mursaleen from Alzheimer’s Research UK advised restraint, noting that the data did not factor in specific dosage amounts or duration of treatment—and participants were already experiencing chronic pain, a condition known to influence cognitive decline on its own.

Similarly, Professor Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh stressed that reduced physical movement, often connected with long-term pain conditions, is a recognized dementia risk factor and was not thoroughly addressed in the study.