Popular Pain Reliever Linked to Higher Dementia Risk, New Study Finds

Dementia is a growing concern, affecting over six million individuals in the United States and posing a risk to more than half of those over the age of 55. Fortunately, modern research highlights preventive measures such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying socially and physically active, and managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Despite these preventive strategies, recent studies have uncovered that certain medications may inadvertently increase dementia risk. Notably, a recent study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine has brought attention to the pain medication gabapentin, suggesting a significant link to heightened dementia risk.

In this study, researchers examined the health records of approximately 52,000 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The study spanned from 2004 to 2024, with half of the participants receiving gabapentin for nerve pain, while the other half did not. The study excluded individuals with prior gabapentin use, dementia, epilepsy, stroke, or cancer.

It is important to note that gabapentin is also prescribed for seizures, although these patients were not part of the study. Gabapentin is often favored for nerve-related pain due to its non-addictive nature, unlike opioids.

The study’s findings revealed that patients who filled six or more prescriptions of gabapentin had a 29% increased risk of dementia and an 85% increased risk of mild cognitive impairment within a decade of their chronic pain diagnosis. Those who filled 12 or more prescriptions experienced a 40% increased risk of dementia and a 65% increased risk of mild cognitive impairment, compared to those prescribed gabapentin three to eleven times.

Interestingly, non-elderly adults aged 18 to 64 who took gabapentin faced more than double the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Specifically, individuals aged 35 to 49 had twice the risk of developing dementia and three times the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

The researchers emphasized that this was an observational study, which means they could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, they stated, “Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence.”

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

In related findings, a separate study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association highlighted that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used for conditions like heartburn and acid reflux, also increased dementia risk. Individuals diagnosed with dementia between the ages of 60 and 69 had a 36% higher risk if they were taking PPIs.

Additionally, PPIs have been suggested to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing neurological symptoms such as memory impairment and migraines.

Over-the-counter anticholinergic drugs, including Benadryl and Tylenol PM, have also been associated with increased dementia risk. The Cleveland Clinic explains, “Anticholinergic drugs are a class of medication that interfere with how your body uses a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.” These medications can disrupt communication between cells and body systems, leading to cognitive adverse effects.

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that individuals aged 65 and older who regularly took anticholinergic drugs for three or more years were 54% more likely to develop dementia than those who used them for three months or less.

These findings underscore the importance of monitoring medication use and exploring alternative treatments to mitigate the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source