Most frequently used medication associated with onset of dementia
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered a potential link between the use of the seizure medication gabapentin and an increased risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particularly among younger and middle-aged adults.
The research, which involved over 52,000 adults with chronic low back pain, found that those prescribed gabapentin had significantly higher risks of developing dementia and MCI compared to those who were not prescribed the drug.
Key findings from the study reveal that patients with six or more gabapentin prescriptions had about a 29% increased risk of dementia and an 85% increased risk of MCI within ten years compared to non-users. The risk rose further for those with 12 or more prescriptions, with dementia risk increasing by 40% and MCI risk by 65% compared to those with 3–11 prescriptions.
The association was especially pronounced in younger adults aged 18 to 64, a group usually considered at low risk for dementia. For example, adults aged 35 to 49 showed more than double the risk for dementia and triple for MCI.
To isolate the effect of gabapentin, the researchers excluded patients with prior conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, or stroke. They also used propensity score matching to control for demographics, comorbidities, and concurrent medications, strengthening the reliability of the association.
While the exact causative mechanism remains unclear, the researchers emphasize the need to monitor cognitive function closely in patients prescribed gabapentin, particularly for chronic use. They suggest further investigation into how gabapentin may impact cognition.
This contrasts with prior perceptions of gabapentin as a cognitively safer alternative to opioids. The study's findings provide a foundation for further research to determine whether gabapentin plays a causal role in the development of dementia and cognitive decline.
If you are currently using gabapentin for pain or seizure control, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether you should consider switching to a different medication. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.
- The groundbreaking study, focusing on health-and-wellness and mental-health, suggests that long-term use of gabapentin could potentially cause cognitive decline, as it was found to significantly increase the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among users, especially those aged 18 to 64, contrary to previous perceptions of it as a cognitively safer alternative to opioids.
- In light of the study's findings, science should continue to investigate the connection between gabapentin and cognitive function, exploring potential mechanisms that could explain the increased risks of dementia and MCI, and aiding healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about treatment options for patients, particularly in the domain of health-and-wellness and mental-health.
