A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine explored the link between gabapentin and dementia risk. Researchers analyzed data from more than 26,000 adults in the TriNetX health network, comparing those prescribed gabapentin with those who weren’t.

Findings showed that people with six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Surprisingly, the strongest effect appeared in adults aged 35–49, where dementia risk doubled and MCI risk tripled.

Study author Nafis B. Eghrari noted that while results reveal an association, they do not prove causation. Previous research on gabapentin’s effect on cognition has been mixed, and further investigation is needed to clarify long-term risks.

Experts highlighted several limitations. The study did not account for other health conditions, medication use, or levels of physical activity