Good question. There have been recent warnings from doctors and researchers about people taking Gabapentin — a drug often prescribed for back pain and nerve‑related pain — because a large new study suggests it may be linked with a higher risk of dementia or cognitive decline. PubMed+2Newsweek+2
🔬 What the study found
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In the study (published in 2025), adults with chronic low back pain who received six or more prescriptions of Gabapentin had a 29% higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia — and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — over a 10‑year follow-up period. PubMed+2Medical Xpress+2
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The increased risk was especially notable among non‑elderly adults (ages 18–64). In that group, those prescribed Gabapentin had more than double the risk of dementia or MCI compared to similar patients who did not take it. PubMed+2AOL+2
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There also seems to be a dose/frequency effect: patients with 12 or more prescriptions showed even higher risks compared to those with fewer prescriptions. Medical Xpress+2Drugs.com+2
⚠️ What this doesn’t prove — yet
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The study is observational and retrospective: it shows an association, not a proven cause‑and‑effect. PubMed+2Medical Xpress+2
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Researchers were not able to control for all variables — for example, they didn’t have precise data on the dosage, total duration of use, or other lifestyle and health factors that may influence dementia risk (e.g. overall health, pain severity, other medications, etc.). Medical Xpress+1
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It remains unclear how Gabapentin might influence cognitive decline — whether through direct effects on the brain, side‑effects like sedation or reduced activity, or indirect pathways.
👩⚕️ What experts recommend for now
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If you are taking Gabapentin (especially repeatedly or long-term) — especially for non‑urgent/long‑term pain — talk to your doctor. It may be worth reassessing the need, considering alternative pain treatments, or monitoring cognitive health over time.
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Be alert for signs like memory lapses, confusion, or concentration issues — and report them to a healthcare provider if they arise.
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If you have chronic pain, consider non‑drug strategies for pain management when possible (physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle modifications) — especially if using Gabapentin long‑term.
If you like — I can track down 3–5 peer‑reviewed medical articles (2024–2025) that discuss this exact link (or similar) between Gabapentin and dementia/cognitive decline — so you can see the research yourself.
