Common back-pain drug may be linked to higher dementia risk, large study finds

Every day, millions of Americans take a commonly prescribed medication to manage chronic back pain — often without a second thought. For many, it has become a long-term part of their daily routine, considered a safer and more manageable option compared to stronger pain relievers. But a significant new study is raising important questions about whether extended use of this drug may be associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, including dementia.

The medication in question is gabapentin — and while it remains widely used and generally considered safe, researchers are now urging both patients and healthcare providers to take a closer look at its long-term effects on the brain.

What the Study Found

The research, conducted by scientists at Case Western Reserve University in collaboration with several partner institutions, represents one of the largest analyses of gabapentin’s cognitive effects to date. The team reviewed medical records drawn from 68 health systems across the United States, examining data from 26,414 adults who had been prescribed gabapentin for persistent lower back pain.

To ensure a fair comparison, researchers matched these individuals with a group of adults who had similar levels of back pain but had not been prescribed the drug. The results, published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, revealed a striking pattern.