LONDON, July 13: A widely prescribed pain medication, gabapentin — often recommended as a safer alternative to opioids for individuals suffering from lower back pain — is now facing scrutiny after being associated with a heightened risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

According to a large-scale observational study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, patients who were frequently prescribed gabapentin showed a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia or MCI.

“Our results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline,” the researchers stated.

Dr. Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, commented on the study, noting that the findings demonstrate only an association between gabapentin prescriptions and cognitive impairment, not a direct cause.

“Gabapentin dosage wasn’t recorded, and there was no information on how long people were on the medication,” she said.

She further explained that since the study focused exclusively on individuals with chronic pain, other factors may have contributed to the observed outcomes. “Previous studies involving people prescribed gabapentin for conditions such as seizures did not find a link between the drug and an increased risk of dementia,” Dr. Mursaleen added.

While acknowledging the study’s findings, she emphasized the importance of effectively managing chronic pain and advised that anyone concerned about their medication should speak with their doctor.